Is Andrew using his influence over the Queen?
It is said that the Queen has agreed to be escorted by Andrew Daily Mail caused a storm of indignation behind the palace walls. Above all Prinz Charles and his son William are said to have reacted with dismay to the Queen’s decision.
It was hoped that “common sense” would prevail and that Andrew would not attempt to star in his first public appearance since the out-of-court settlement. “It would be a great shame if all of this overshadowed the service,” Charles and William reportedly explained.
In the run-up to the commemoration, the two heirs to the throne reportedly spoke to the Queen several times to dissuade her from their plans. Father and son were “absolutely in agreement” that Andrew’s involvement in accompanying the Queen was “simply unnecessary,” quoted as saying Expresssa palace insider.
However, the Queen is said to have dismissed Charles’ and William’s concerns. It was her “wish and her final decision” to select Andrew for this duty.
However, some senior royals are said to be of the opinion that Prince Andrew’s attendance at Prince Philip’s funeral last April was “inappropriate”. Now there are fears that the Duke of York has too much influence on the queen and could damage the reputation of the “company”.
Insider on Andrew: ‘He’s not ready to take a backseat’
“Now that this situation has unfolded, a select few believe he is using his position for his own gain” and manipulating the Queen, the insider said.
After the agreement in the abuse scandal, Andrew is said to have no intention of withdrawing completely from the public. “He has made no secret of the fact that he is not willing to take a backseat as much as everyone wants him to,” the palace source claims.
“In his view, the matter with the allegations and the court case is closed,” it says about Andrew.
The prince is said to be of the opinion that despite everything, he can still contribute something to the royal family. “He’s not just going to sit at home and do nothing until the end of his days,” the insider said.