A former royal protection officer has unveiled startling insights into the working environment surrounding Prince Andrew, including a crude nickname that staff reportedly used for him, which was deemed too offensive for public broadcast.
Unveiling the Unsavoury Moniker
In a resurfaced interview with 60 Minutes Australia, the ex-bodyguard revealed that while Andrew's official call sign was "Purple 41," security personnel had a far more vulgar designation for him among themselves. The officer hesitated to utter the nickname on air, stating it was too rude to disclose, but later confirmed that Andrew was known as "the c***" due to his tendency to upset everyone he encountered.
A Pattern of Entitled Behaviour
According to the former guard, Andrew was widely regarded as the most unpopular member of the royal family during his tenure, characterized by rudeness, arrogance, and a breathtaking sense of self-entitlement. This aligns with accounts from royal author Andrew Lownie, who detailed in his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York that Andrew expected staff to serve without question and would have tantrums if his demands were not met.
Lownie cited former equerry Colin Burgess, who recalled Andrew's scathing catchphrase, "do it!" when issuing orders. This contrasted sharply with the treatment staff received from the Queen Mother or King Charles, who were described as viewing employees as "human beings."
Demands and Disdain Behind Closed Doors
Even after being stripped of his titles by King Charles, Andrew allegedly continued to demand royal privileges, such as full cooked breakfasts prepared by a personal chef and weekly deliveries of champagne and fine wines. Further reports from Lownie's book and royal writer Tom Quinn highlight additional instances of Andrew's entitled conduct:
- Insisting that maids climb four flights of stairs to open his curtains each morning while he lay in bed.
- Banishing a staff member because he "couldn't bear" to look at a mole on his face.
- Arranging for the removal of an employee for wearing a nylon tie.
These anecdotes paint a picture of a figure who, despite his royal lineage, fostered a toxic work atmosphere, earning him a reputation that extended far beyond the palace walls.
