William set to exclude Andrew from coronation and royal gatherings due to Epstein scandal – ITV News

The controversial ties between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein have led to a shift in royal dynamics. Prince William is reportedly taking a stand against his uncle’s tarnished reputation. As the Prince of Wales, William aims to exclude Andrew from significant royal events, including his upcoming coronation.

Prince Andrew’s Fall from Grace

In early 2022, Andrew surrendered his Duke of York title amid the ongoing scandal surrounding his association with Epstein. This decision was described as an attempt to prevent distractions from the royal family’s responsibilities. Andrew publicly emphasized his denial of the allegations against him.

Future Exclusion from Royal Events

• William plans to implement a “more ruthless” approach towards Andrew.
• Banning him from public and private royal events, including the coronation.
• Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, may also face similar exclusions.

Despite these adjustments, Andrew’s daughters will still be permitted at family gatherings. The decision reflects William’s urgent desire to handle the ongoing “Andrew problem” and protect the monarchy’s image.

Allegations of a Smear Campaign

New reports suggest that Andrew attempted to gather sensitive information about his accuser, Virginia Giuffre. Allegations surfaced claiming he asked his bodyguard to investigate her background in 2011, prior to a notable newspaper article implicating him. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating these claims.

Official Responses

• A Government minister expressed concern over how close protection officers should be utilized.
• Virginia Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit against Andrew in 2021, which was settled the following year.

Giuffre has accused Andrew of sexual assault during a time when she was a minor. The allegations intensified after it was disclosed that Andrew had communicated with Epstein even after claiming to have severed ties with him.

The Road Ahead for Prince William

As Royally aligned decisions unfold, King Charles has previously barred Andrew from attending the royal family’s Christmas gatherings. Most recently, Andrew has relinquished his Garter knighthood, which further limits his participation in royal events. Although there had been calls for him to lose his dukedom, this action reflects ongoing scrutiny surrounding his past.

Implications for the Royal Family

The situation underscores a critical moment in the royal family’s approach to scandal management. As they navigate this complex landscape, the impact on public perception continues to evolve, particularly regarding Andrew’s relationship with Epstein and the broader implications for the monarchy.