Queen Elizabeth II Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death

Despite Prince Andrew's scandals and loss of royal duties, royal author Katie Nicholl claims he remained close to the late Queen Elizabeth II until her death.

According to royal author Katie Nicholl, the late Queen Elizabeth II maintained an unwavering bond with her son, Prince Andrew, despite the scandals and controversies that have plagued him in recent years.

Nicholl, who spoke to Fox News Digital, described the close relationship between the monarch and her second son. She said that Andrew was "incredibly close" to his mother and that they often had lunch or tea together.

"Prince Andrew was her favorite child," Nicholl said. "He was the one who always made her laugh."

The queen's fondness for Andrew was evident even in her final days. In a rare public display of affection, she was seen holding his hand as they left a church service together just weeks before her death.

Nicholl said that Andrew's relationship with his mother was "particularly strong" in the months leading up to her death. She said that the queen had been aware of his ongoing legal and financial troubles but was determined to support him.

"She was a very protective mother," Nicholl said. "She would never have abandoned him."

Andrew's closeness to his mother has been a topic of speculation for years. Some have suggested that the queen's unwavering support for her son may have shielded him from facing the full consequences of his actions.

However, Nicholl said that the queen's love for Andrew was not blind. She said that she was aware of his flaws but was determined to protect him.

"She knew he had made mistakes," Nicholl said. "But she also knew that he was a good man at heart."

The bond between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew was a complex and enduring one. Despite the challenges and controversies, the queen's love for her son never wavered.