Andrew overshadows royals at every turn – there’s nothing they can do | Royal | News

The Prince of Wales’s three-day trip to Saudi Arabia last week was supposed to be about his growing role as a global statesman – strengthening ties with our international ally, both economically and diplomatically. But sadly for Kensington Palace, the dark shadow of his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, continued to loom over him. 

Aides had attempted to get on top of the situation by releasing a brief statement – William and Catherine’s first on the Epstein scandal – before the heir had even left the UK. The idea was simple – address the situation in an attempt to prevent the whole trip from being derailed by the litany of claims surrounding Andrew and ensure the focus remained on William’s most diplomatically challenging trip to date.

But with Buckingham Palace releasing an unprecedented statement later that day saying it stood ready to help a police inquiry into Andrew’s conduct, it’s no surprise William and his team were unable to redirect the focus away from the former prince.

On the first full day of his trip, William was asked by a reporter: “Sir, to what extent do you think the Royal Family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?” While he didn’t respond, an aide firmly reminded the travelling media that William’s focus was on the task the Government had set him.

That included a meeting and private dinner with controversial Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a focus on women and children, the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources and a visit to marvel at Al Ula’s stunning natural beauty.

Throughout his three days, it was clear William’s mind was focused on the job in hand and attempting to get the royal show back on the road. He understands the mood music back at home is one of anger, mistrust and dismay following the conveyor belt of new claims against his disgraced uncle, but he wants to remind the nation of the good the monarchy can do.

William has long sought to show that the monarchy’s future is in safe hands. Over the past few years, he’s sought to convey an image of normalcy, relatability and positivity.

And the next few weeks and months will continue to be an uphill battle, his father and the rest of the royals, as they compete against the tide of claims against Andrew. There’s no doubt that for some time to come, the former Duke of York will continue to cast a dark shadow over whatever the Royal Family does.

PS: I’ve enlisted the help of my wonderful deputy, Rebecca Russell, this week as I took a tumble in Saudi Arabia and fractured my ankle. It’s been a difficult few days, but I’m glad to be back on home soil. I’m absolutely devastated that it brings an end to my London Marathon journey, but I’ll be back with you fighting fit next week after some R&R this weekend.

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If reports are to be believed, Sarah Ferguson is eyeing (yet another) comeback. Amid claims she’s been hiding out in the French Alps and the Middle East, plotting her next move, it’s starting to sound like Teflon-coated Fergie really believes she can ride the whole Epstein drama out. Perhaps she views the world with permanently rose-tinted glasses, but given that any charity would be mad to touch her with a 10-foot pole, any last-ditch shot at redemption sounds like a fantasy.

In a scandal with more twists and turns than a thriller, it’s hard to predict what will happen next to the beleaguered Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. After emails emerged, appearing to show that Andrew had sent sensitive trade documents to paedophile Epstein during his decade-long tenure as the UK’s trade envoy, the Police issued an update. Thames Valley Police confirmed that they will be examining whether the King’s brother committed misconduct in a public office… We wait with bated breath for the result.

While the world watched bombshell after bombshell mar Andrew and Fergie’s reputations even further, Queen Camilla’s week was filled with special reunions. As well as greeting her nephew, Derek Paravicini, a blind and autistic piano player, with a kiss during a reception at Clarence House, the Queen was reunited with her former ‘spin doctor’ Mark Bolland – the man tasked with reinventing her public image in the late 90s and early noughties – and what a wonderful job he did!

An emotional Prince Harry appeared on the brink of tears during a low-key appearance in LA, where he told bereaved parents “none of you should be here” ahead of a landmark trial to examine whether tech giants have damaged young people’s health. Fighting back his emotions, Harry spoke to the group in a restaurant and praised them for “telling your stories over and over again”. This is the sort of court case we can all applaud Harry for supporting.