The decision followed years of public backlash over Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as pressure mounted for the monarchy to take decisive action. Still, sources suggest the move weighed heavily on the King himself.
Charles is reportedly torn, believing in the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” even as Prince William and Queen Camilla are said to have pushed for a firmer, more public stance to protect the monarchy’s reputation.
“It doesn’t sit easily with the King to treat his brother this way,” one insider claimed, adding that the situation has caused ongoing “family angst.”
The tension comes as Prince Andrew faces renewed scrutiny following the release of more than three million Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. Among them are photographs appearing to show Andrew with an unidentified woman, though no context has been provided and no wrongdoing has been legally established.
Andrew has consistently denied all allegations. Being named or pictured in the documents does not, by itself, indicate guilt. However, the renewed attention has reignited public debate—and intensified pressure within the palace.