Prince Andrew‘s image within his family reportedly worsens daily, especially with his ex-wife and two daughters. The Duke of York welcomed Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie with Sarah Ferguson before their divorce in the 90s. Despite their differences, the trio has become the royal’s only hope amid his Royal Lodge drama with King Charles. Andrew’s friendship with the late sex offender Jeffery Epstein sparked his downfall. However, his situation worsened when his alleged sex victim, Virginia Giuffre, received an undisclosed settlement.
The scandal eventually saw the King pushing for his brother to downsize once he stopped being a working royal. While battling the public’s negative perception and Charles’ downsize plans, Andrew turned to his family for support. A source claimed he was like a “lost puppy” unable to stop depending on Sarah and their daughters. They noted he desperately needed their “emotional support,” adding:
“He’s become increasingly clingy, reaching out to them every chance he gets, almost as if they’re his only lifeline.”
The insider stressed that Sarah and her daughters understood Andrew’s pain; however, his constant need for support was draining. They noted the trio had their own lives, and navigating the Duke’s scandal has been a nightmare. The matriarch reportedly suffered more for her association with her ex-husband. The source claimed his bad rep was “starting to reflect poorly on her as well,” yet Andrew didn’t notice. “She bears the brunt of it. He unloads every frustration on her and constantly asks for advice,” the insider said.
The informant noted that Andrew even implored Sarah to connect him to people who could support his business pursuits. In Touch shared that another source claimed Beatrice and Eugenie had begged Charles to forgive their father. However, their pleas for a reunion between the brothers have not been granted.
Why Is Prince Andrew Clinging to the Royal Lodge?
We recently covered the possible reason behind Andrew’s refusal to leave the Royal Lodge. Robert Hardman, author of Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, weighed in on the situation. He implied the residence might be the Duke’s last hope amid his fallen image within the Royal Family, saying:
“Someone said to me the other day, he’s got nothing else. He has no public life. He has no public role. And he’s clearly devoted to this home, and he likes being there. So, if he can make it work, he’s going to try.”
The Royal Lodge is a 30-room mansion that dates back to the 1600s and was rebuilt in 1840. Andrew signed a 75-year lease for the home in 2003 but was nearly evicted per the King’s orders. Charles even cut his brother’s allowance and security to kick him out, but the latter refused to leave. Instead, the Duke raised the funds necessary to continue living in the Royal Lodge. However, a source claimed the battle wasn’t over because the home needed numerous repairs and updates. “Andrew may not have the money for all of that,” the insider shared.
Their claims followed reports about a possible rift in Andrew and Beatrice’s relationship. Sources alleged that the Duke’s oldest daughter was willing to distance herself from her father to secure her inheritance. She reportedly realized her future was in the King’s hands instead of Andrew’s. “Even though Beatrice has landed comfortably by marrying into an Italian aristocratic family, it’s mortifying to have Andrew decimate the family’s fortune and reputation,” the insider alleged. They also claimed Beatrice desperately wanted to be on the “royal roster.”
Will Prince Andrew’s problems ruin his relationship with his loved ones?
