The former Prince Andrew is reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated behind palace walls, with new claims suggesting he has been encouraging his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to stand firm amid mounting scrutiny surrounding the York family.
According to the Daily Mail, Andrew urged his daughters to attend the June 6 wedding of their cousin, Peter Phillips, and Harriet Sperling, despite their reported hesitation over the public attention their presence might attract.
Beatrice and Eugenie encouraged to hold their heads high:
Beatrice and Eugenie attended the wedding alongside their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank, at St. All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire.
© Chris JacksonTheir appearance quickly became one of the event's biggest talking points, with renewed attention falling on the York family because of the long-running fallout from Jeffrey Epstein's scandal.
According to the British newspaper, Andrew sent his daughters an email encouraging them not only to attend the wedding but also to hold their heads high.
© Max Mumby/IndigoThe report claims the move was part of a broader effort by the disgraced royal to reinforce his daughters' standing within the monarchy after months of controversy surrounding the York family.
Prince Andrew reportedly preparing for a battle with King Charles:
The Daily Mail also reports that Andrew feels he has been unfairly punished and views himself as the scapegoat of recent royal controversies.
© Getty Images, Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesAccording to the publication, he is increasingly frustrated with his older brother, King Charles III, believing the monarch has gone beyond his authority in stripping him of his royal privileges and distancing him from public life.
The report further claims Andrew is seeking financial compensation from the Crown following his reported departure from Royal Lodge earlier this year. It also alleges he wants compensation for his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who reportedly also had to leave the property.
Requests to meet with the King reportedly ignored:
The publication also reported that Andrew has repeatedly requested private meetings with King Charles, but those requests have gone unanswered.
© Karwai TangAlthough Beatrice and Eugenie attended Peter Phillips' wedding alongside senior members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, they reportedly had little opportunity to interact with the monarch.
According to the report, Charles and Camilla were already seated inside the church when the York sisters arrived, avoiding any potentially awkward public encounter. Following the ceremony, the King and Queen departed by helicopter for the Epsom Derby, leaving no opportunity for further conversation.
Ongoing pressure surrounding the York sisters:
The report also claims Beatrice and Eugenie have faced increasing pressure in recent months due to renewed scrutiny over their historical links to Jeffrey Epstein through their parents' former social circle.
© Mark CuthbertQuestions have also reportedly been raised about the royal residences the sisters continue to occupy in London, including an apartment at St. James's Palace and Ivy Cottage at Kensington Palace, which were originally made available to them by Queen Elizabeth II.
According to the report, King Charles is said to favor reviewing those housing arrangements, although no official changes have been announced.
© Getty ImagesDespite speculation about the York family's future, the King recently showed public support for his nieces by authorizing Buckingham Palace to officially announce Princess Eugenie's third pregnancy.
It was also reported that Prince William previously wanted an "ethical" review of Beatrice and Eugenie's financial affairs after concerns were raised about some of Andrew's former business associates allegedly acting as advisers. According to the report, those proposals were not pursued.
© Matt CardyAndrew reportedly still insists on royal treatment:
Although Prince Andrew no longer carries out official royal duties, the publication claims he still expects the three members of his household staff to address him as "Sir" or "Duke."
The report adds that Andrew has reportedly reminded staff that he remains the son, brother, and uncle of British monarchs, the father of princesses, and a member of royal families connected to the former Greek and Danish thrones.
