As Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, turns 65, his legacy remains one of controversy and strained relationships, particularly within his own family. Once regarded as the Queen’s favorite son, Andrew’s fall from grace has been widely publicized, from his scandalous ties to Jeffrey Epstein to his forced step back from royal duties.
However, beyond the public scandals, a darker picture of his personal behavior has emerged. Over the years, former palace staff and royal insiders have described Andrew as a bully, a man who belittled employees, clashed with his brother King Charles, and harbored resentment over not being next in line for the throne.
Now, as he reaches what would have been his official retirement age, a question lingers—did Prince Andrew truly believe he was better suited to be king?
A Reputation for Bullying and Entitlement
Prince Andrew has long been known for his demanding nature and often abrasive personality. Former palace employees have shared stories of his rude and dismissive behavior towards staff, describing him as someone who was quick to criticize over the smallest mistakes.
Incidents of Alleged Bullying
- Extreme Temper: Andrew was reportedly prone to shouting at staff over minor errors, expecting instant serviceand refusing to accept delays.
- Degrading Treatment: He was known to make cutting remarks about employees’ appearances, including allegedly dismissing one staff member simply because he found a mole on their face “unbearable” to look at.
- Unrealistic Demands: Staff recall moments where Andrew would demand things like having his teddy bear collection perfectly arranged or requiring his bath towels to be laid just right before use.
- Nicknamed “His Buffoon Highness”: Due to his condescending attitude, palace workers privately referred to him with less-than-respectful nicknames, mocking his arrogance and self-importance.
Unlike his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for her gracious and measured approach, Andrew was seen as someone who expected obedience rather than loyalty.
A Rocky Relationship with King Charles
While royal siblings often experience rivalry, the tension between Andrew and Charles has been particularly strong and long-standing.
Andrew’s Jealousy of His Brother
- From a young age, Andrew reportedly felt overshadowed by Charles, despite being the Queen’s rumored favorite child.
- He disliked Charles’ serious, introspective nature, believing that he was too dull and weak to be a true leader.
- Andrew viewed himself as more charismatic, more relatable, and more in touch with the people—qualities he believed made him a better candidate for the throne.
Clashes Over Royal Status
- When Charles became King, he wasted no time in reducing Andrew’s royal privileges, stripping him of his HRH title and ensuring that he played no official role in royal affairs.
- Andrew fought to retain his security detail, insisting he was still a royal figure of importance, but his request was denied.
- He also attempted to lobby for a return to public life, only to be firmly rejected by Charles and Prince William, who saw his association with Epstein as too damaging to the monarchy.
This ongoing power struggle only deepened Andrew’s resentment towards his older brother, leading to further tensions within the royal family.
Did Prince Andrew Believe He Would Have Made a Better King?
Why He Thought He Was More Fit to Rule
Andrew reportedly viewed himself as:
✔ More confident and decisive than Charles, whom he saw as too hesitant and cautious.
✔ More charismatic and relatable, having served in the military and often being more approachable than Charles.
✔ More in tune with modern Britain, believing that Charles was too focused on tradition and outdated values.
However, those within the royal household strongly disagreed with this notion, with some insiders claiming that Andrew’s recklessness, arrogance, and lack of discipline would have made him a disastrous monarch.
The Harsh Reality
Instead of ascending to the throne, Andrew’s royal career ended in disgrace, culminating in:
❌ His forced withdrawal from public life due to his Epstein connections.
❌ His removal from royal duties under Charles’ reign.
❌ His financial struggles, as he lost royal income and faced legal battles.
While Andrew may have once believed he was better suited to be king, his actions over the years have shown that he lacked the judgment, restraint, and responsibility necessary for leadership.
Andrew at 65: What’s Next for the Duke of York?
With no official royal duties and his reputation permanently damaged, Andrew now lives a life of quiet exile at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
However, he continues to push for a return to royal life, despite repeated rejections from King Charles and Prince William.
Future Possibilities for Andrew
- Living in Royal Lodge Until Charles Decides Otherwise – There have been rumors that Charles wants Andrew to vacate the property, but he remains defiant in staying.
- A Return to Public Life? – Despite several attempts, it is highly unlikely that Andrew will ever be accepted back into royal circles.
- Financial Uncertainty – With no royal income, Andrew is increasingly reliant on private sources of money, including help from his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
While some former royals have successfully rehabilitated their image, Andrew’s deep unpopularity and scandal-ridden past make a full comeback nearly impossible.
Conclusion: A Life of Power, Privilege, and Lost Potential
At 65, Prince Andrew faces a future very different from what he once imagined.
- His reputation as a bully has left a lasting stain on his image.
- His relationship with King Charles is strained, with no hope for reconciliation.
- His belief that he would have made a better king is now just a delusional remnant of the past.
Instead of being remembered as a strong leader, he is known as a disgraced royal, removed from public life, and forever in the shadow of his older brother, the King.
As he enters this next stage of his life, the real question remains: Will he accept his fate, or will he continue to fight for a royal comeback that will likely never happen?
FAQs
1. Why is Prince Andrew accused of bullying?
Former staff and insiders have described his aggressive behavior, including shouting at employees, making cruel remarks, and having unrealistic demands.
2. What is Prince Andrew’s relationship with King Charles like?
Andrew and Charles have never been close, and their rivalry has intensified since Charles became king, stripping Andrew of royal privileges.
3. Did Prince Andrew really believe he should have been king?
Yes, insiders claim that Andrew thought he was more charismatic and capable than Charles, but his scandals and poor judgment have proven otherwise.
4. Does Prince Andrew still have royal duties?
No, he was forced to step back from public life after his Epstein ties were exposed.
5. What is Prince Andrew doing now?
He is living privately at Royal Lodge, fighting to keep his home and push for a return to public life, though this is highly unlikely to happen.
