Queen Elizabeth Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death, Despite Royal Discord

Despite Prince Andrew's turbulent past and alleged involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, royal author Katie Nicholl claims that Queen Elizabeth II remained close to her second son until her passing. Nicholl sheds light on the complex relationship between the siblings and the Queen's decision to support Andrew amidst the controversy.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew shared a close bond that endured despite the controversies and scandals that plagued his life. According to royal author Katie Nicholl, the Queen and her younger son maintained a warm relationship in the months leading up to her death in September 2022.

Queen Elizabeth Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death, Despite Royal Discord

The Duke of York faced intense scrutiny in 2019 after his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came to light. In the wake of the scandal, Andrew stepped down from his royal duties and was stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages.

Despite the public backlash, insiders claim that Queen Elizabeth remained a source of support and protection for her son. Nicholl notes that the Queen's decision to stand by Andrew was met with mixed reactions within the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death, Despite Royal Discord

Prince Charles, the heir apparent, reportedly had a strained relationship with his younger brother. In 2008, Charles had proposed streamlining the monarchy by demoting several Windsor offspring, including Andrew's daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. Andrew vehemently opposed this plan, leading to a "desk-pounding shouting match" between the siblings.

However, according to Nicholl, Queen Elizabeth's love for Andrew remained unwavering. She believed in his innocence and was determined to keep him close despite the allegations against him.

Queen Elizabeth Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death, Despite Royal Discord

The Queen's decision was also influenced by her grandson, Prince William, who reportedly supported his uncle. William and his wife, Kate Middleton, have remained close to Andrew's daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie.

In the aftermath of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Andrew faced further setbacks. In 2020, he was sued by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleged that he had sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Andrew settled the case out of court for a substantial sum.

Queen Elizabeth Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death, Despite Royal Discord

Despite the legal settlement, the scandal irrevocably damaged Andrew's reputation. He was stripped of his "freedom of the city" of York, a prestigious honor bestowed upon him in 1987. Calls for him to relinquish his title as Duke of York also intensified.

Through it all, Queen Elizabeth reportedly remained a source of comfort and guidance for her son. Until her passing at the age of 96, she continued to support him and provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos that surrounded him.

Queen Elizabeth Maintained Close Bond with Prince Andrew Until Her Death, Despite Royal Discord

The Queen's unwavering loyalty to Andrew is a testament to the strength of their bond and the enduring nature of their family ties. Despite the controversies and setbacks, Queen Elizabeth II's love for her second son never wavered.