Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, reportedly believes he is the most "at risk" member of the Royal Family, but not for the reasons many might assume. According to sources close to him, his heightened security risk stems from his unchangeable family ties as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the younger brother of King Charles III, rather than his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Background: Loss of Titles and Royal Duties
Andrew has not been a working royal since 2019 and was stripped of his titles and honours last year due to his connections to Epstein. He was also forced to leave his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor, and relocate to a new home in Norfolk. Throughout this period, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Despite no longer being an active member of the royal family, sources indicate that Andrew faces significant security threats. A source close to Andrew told The Telegraph: "This is a clear demonstration of the fact that you cannot uninvent a member of the Royal Family."
Security Risks: Fixated Individuals and Publicity
The source elaborated: "Regardless of the fact that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has had his titles removed and is no longer a working royal, he still continues to face security threats. There is just as much of a risk to him from fixated individuals as there is to any active members of the Royal Family, if not more so because of all the publicity surrounding him."
The source added: "He has no choice but to remain the current monarch's brother and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II." This suggests that his familial position, rather than his past controversies, is the primary driver of the perceived risk.
Recent Family Snub on Father's Day
Andrew was recently omitted from a Father's Day tribute by his youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie. On June 21, the 36-year-old shared photos on social media of her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their two sons, August and Ernest, but did not include any image of Andrew. This public snub underscores the ongoing estrangement within the family.
The revelation about Andrew's security concerns comes amid broader discussions about royal security and the challenges faced by non-working members. The Metropolitan Police and royal protection units continue to assess threats to all royals, with Andrew's case highlighting the complexities of risk assessment for individuals who remain high-profile due to birth rather than official duties.
