King Charles surprised many people around the world on Thursday when it was confirmed he would strip his brother Andrew of all his royal titles and evict him from his Royal Lodge home. While the monarch, 76, was expected to take action, many were not expecting the King to take such extreme – but necessary – measures against his own relative.
Although it is likely to have been a difficult thing for His Majesty to do, he was left with little choice as Andrew – now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor – continues to be caught up in scandals surrounding his previous friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. While Andrew denies accusations against him, such scandals were distracting from the work of the monarchy.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, who has been closely following the monarchy for a number of years, has now described the King’s actions towards his brother in just two words – “brutal” and “necessary”.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Mr Fitzwilliams said: “It was increasingly obvious that the important work of the monarchy, the state visit to the Vatican, the ceremonial welcome of President Zelensky and the forthcoming Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, which is held in Brazil, was being overshadowed by an endless series of scandals involving Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
“The King’s response in placing Andrew in unprecedented disgrace has been brutal but this was necessary.”
Mr Fitzwilliams also said that while the King’s actions towards Andrew “won’t stop the headlines”, it should be able to “provide some respite for the institution of monarchy”.
Prince Andrew has not been seen since news broke that he will no longer be a prince.
