Prince Andrew’s public image has irrevocably shifted from being regarded as Queen Elizabeth’s favourite son to one ingrained with serious allegations of sexual abuse against a teenage girl, allegations he has consistently denied, reports BritPanorama.
Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of sexually abusing her as a minor at locations linked to Jeffrey Epstein. In February 2022, Andrew settled a US lawsuit for an undisclosed amount, although he did not admit any wrongdoing.
His connections to Epstein had already led him to step down from royal duties. This followed a widely criticised BBC interview aimed at clearing his name, which only served to further damage his reputation. Subsequently, he was stripped of military titles, royal patronages, and the designation of ‘His Royal Highness.’
Public sentiment has turned increasingly against Andrew. The royal family distanced themselves, perceiving him as a potential liability to the monarchy. His late mother appeared to be one of the few who maintained some level of affection, allowing him to accompany her during a memorial service for Prince Philip in March 2022.
After his fall from grace, Andrew’s public appearances dwindled, limited to significant family events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and his brother King Charles’s coronation in 2023. In his earlier career, Andrew served in the navy for over two decades and was appointed the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment until his links with Epstein became publicly scrutinised.
His marriage to Sarah Ferguson in 1986 initially garnered attention, but their separation in 1992 and subsequent divorce in 1996 were marked by scandal and public interest, leading the Queen to declare 1992 an “annus horribilis” for the royal family. Throughout their marriage, they had two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, maintaining a cordial relationship despite their separation.
Despite his high-profile lifestyle post-military, including various romantic links, Andrew’s association with Epstein eventually overshadowed his personal life and impacted his professional standing. In 2011, he resigned from his position as a trade ambassador, facing allegations from Giuffre that emerged four years later.
Andrew’s downfall has often been attributed to a perceived sense of entitlement. Insider accounts suggest that he exhibited petulance, illustrated by anecdotes from former royal staff. As his reputation continued to deteriorate, he attempted to pivot towards entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at supporting young businesses, such as “Pitch@Palace,” where he engaged in promoting tech innovation.
His unfortunate fall from favour escalated with a disastrous BBC interview where he failed to adequately counter Giuffre’s allegations. The fallout from that appearance ignited public ridicule and intensified scrutiny over his past associations, forcing Andrew to later express regret over his ties to Epstein, albeit too late to reclaim his standing.
