A significant new rift has reportedly emerged within the British Royal Family, with Princess Anne and Prince Edward expressing serious concerns to King Charles III about his handling of their brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. According to royal sources, the Princess Royal and the Earl of Wessex have engaged in crisis talks with the monarch, sharing their view that the King's actions against Andrew have been too severe.
Title Stripping and Eviction Spark Family Crisis
The controversy stems from King Charles's decisive actions in October of last year, when he stripped his disgraced brother of his military affiliations and royal patronages, and subsequently evicted him from his long-term residence at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. These measures were taken in direct response to Andrew's association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which has caused immense reputational damage to the monarchy.
Siblings Advocate for Softer Approach
A source speaking to the Daily Mail revealed the depth of the familial discord. "Anne has been vocal with both the King and William about Andrew's treatment," the insider stated, adding that "Edward is backing her to some extent." The report suggests there are multiple ongoing arguments within the Firm, with some senior members convinced the King has treated his younger brother with excessive harshness.
The situation is said to have created considerable "family angst", placing King Charles in a difficult position as he attempts to balance public expectation with private family loyalty. While the King reportedly hopes to maintain peace within the family, Prince William and Queen Camilla are understood to have advocated for a firmer stance against Andrew's scandals.
The King's Personal Conflict
Intriguingly, sources indicate that King Charles himself carries a heavy heart over the decisions he felt compelled to make. "The King remains of the view that Andrew is innocent until proven guilty and has yet to see evidence that he is [guilty]," a royal insider claimed. They further noted that "The late Queen went to her grave believing in Andrew's innocence in the Epstein scandal. It doesn't fit well with the King to have to treat Andrew as harshly as he has to in the circumstances."
Despite these personal reservations, widespread public demand and the need to protect the institution's integrity reportedly forced the King's hand, leading to the drastic actions that have now sparked internal controversy.
Ongoing Practical and Emotional Fallout
The practical consequences of Andrew's eviction continue to be a central point of contention. The question of where the former prince will live remains unresolved, though rumours suggest he may relocate to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate. Workmen were recently observed at the property conducting maintenance and apparently installing Sky broadband, fuelling speculation about an imminent move.
A separate source told Hello! Magazine that both Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, must vacate the Royal Lodge by January 25. "She has stood by him all these years but is now ready to spread her wings," the source revealed regarding Ferguson's plans. "She won't be moving in with him to the new house on the Sandringham Estate. She won't be moving into Beatrice's Cotswolds home though. Eugenie's home in Portugal is a contender while she finds somewhere."
The emotional toll on both Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is reportedly substantial. "Andrew has stopped getting newspapers or reading anything. He's in his own bubble," the source added. "Sarah is still very upset at everything that has happened."
This latest episode underscores the ongoing challenges facing the modern monarchy as it navigates the complex intersection of personal family dynamics, public accountability, and institutional preservation. The disagreement between the King and his siblings represents more than a simple family quarrel; it reflects deeper tensions about how the Royal Family should respond to scandal in an era of intense media scrutiny and public expectation.
