After losing his royal titles and being removed from royal duties, the disgraced Prince Andrew has been dealt yet another damaging blow, as King Charles has reportedly cut him off financially.
According to Robert Hardman’s new book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, serialised in the Daily Mail, Charles has withdrawn Andrew’s annual £1 million (A$2 million) “living allowance.”
The decision is seen as another step the King has taken to publicly distance himself from his younger brother following his association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Hardman writes in his forthcoming book that the keeper of the privy purse was “instructed to sever his living allowance” after Andrew reportedly refused to move out of the Royal Lodge and into the smaller Frogmore Cottage.
“‘The duke is no longer a financial burden on the King’, confirms one familiar with the situation,” Hardman writes, citing an insider source.
“‘He claims to have found other sources of income related to his contacts in international trade, sufficient to cover all his costs – which would be a welcome outcome for all parties if that turns out to be the case.
“‘But as to whether this funding can be relied upon in the long term is another matter.'”
The announcement is the latest in a series of public losses for Andrew after the fallout from his sexual abuse allegations which he has strongly denied.
On January 13, 2022, Queen Elizabeth stripped Andrew of his military titles and royal patronage.
A statement released by Buckingham Palace at the time announced the decision regarding the Duke of York.
“With The Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen,” the statement said.
“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
Andrew was then dealt another blow after he was stripped of yet another honour, following the City of York’s decision to depose him of his title as Honorary Freeman.
Andrew was given the honour in 1987 after his wedding to Sarah Ferguson, however, on Wednesday, April 27, the York City Council voted to remove the prestigious title in a meeting that only lasted 40 minutes.
York town hall chief Darryl Smalley told The Sun that removing the title “sends the right message that we as a city stand with victims of abuse”.
“The next logical step is now for Prince Andrew to do the right thing and relinquish his Duke of York title,” he said at the time.
DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about violence or misconduct impacting you, your family, friends or workplace, the numbers below may help. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service — 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia — 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia — 1300 364 277, BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800; Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.
-with PA.