Prince Andrew's conduct at Buckingham Palace has been described as "arrogant and entitled" in a new biography of Queen Elizabeth II, with one incident reportedly spoiling a royal event before it even began. Royal biographer Robert Hardman, in his forthcoming book, details multiple accounts of the Duke of York's appalling manners, painting a picture of a figure widely viewed as unpleasant and ill-mannered within the Royal Family.
Disruptive Car Incident at Investiture Ceremony
According to Hardman's research, which involved interviews with attendees, Prince Andrew's behaviour was prominently displayed prior to an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. A source recounted: "We were walking across the quadrangle and suddenly this blue Bentley appeared and did a handbrake turn, throwing up gravel over other people's cars." The individual added, "Someone said, 'I bet that's Andrew.' And sure enough it was. And everyone was talking about it as we went in because it had just spoiled things."
The source emphasised the disparity in status, noting, "He lived at Buckingham Palace, whereas we were just the little people going in there for our big day. And he just had to make it all about him." This episode, as documented by Hardman in his book serialised in the Daily Mail, highlights Andrew's perceived entitlement and lack of consideration for others.
Pattern of Arrogant Behaviour
Andrew's presumption during that instance was far from an isolated occurrence. Hardman notes an earlier episode at Windsor, where grooms from the Royal Mews were exercising some of the Queen's horses. One groom waved a firm hand at an approaching car that was revving its engine aggressively. The vehicle pulled alongside, and through the window, the Duke of York bellowed at her: "Who the f*** do you think you are?" He then demanded her name and even took the matter up with the Queen in person, according to a former member of the Household.
Despite Andrew's veiled threat, the groom faced no repercussions following the deeply upsetting encounter. This incident underscores a recurring theme of Andrew's confrontational and dismissive attitude towards staff and others.
Contrast with Other Royals
Insiders told Hardman that the very qualities that made Andrew Her Majesty's "favourite" son were ultimately the traits that earned him widespread contempt among Palace staff. One source explained, "He'd been this wonderful baby after the ten-year gap with her older children. He wasn't sensitive like King Charles III but, rather, had all the qualities that her husband had been — a straightforward, handsome naval officer. On the other hand, he was a seven-year-old who never grew up."
His 22-year career in the Royal Navy, spanning from 1979 to 2001, seemed to offer some much-needed discipline. However, a senior royal aide told Hardman, "We did press the Navy very hard to keep him on, but they couldn't find a suitable role," indicating ongoing challenges in managing his conduct.
Relief Among Palace Staff
Dickie Arbiter, who managed the late Queen's public image for over a decade, believes that staff currently working in Buckingham Palace's press office will feel relieved they no longer have to answer for Andrew's actions. Similarly, Dai Davies, who served as Operational Unit Commander overseeing Royal Protection during the mid-1990s, recalls most royals as "perfectly pleasant," but has very little good to say about Andrew, describing him as "rude and dismissive."
Davies noted his positive experiences with other royals, saying, "Charles was polite. Diana — I liked her very much. When I started, she said to me, 'You poor man — do you know what you've taken on?'" This contrast further highlights Andrew's outlier status in terms of behaviour within the Royal Family.
Elizabeth II. In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, by Robert Hardman (Pan Macmillan, £22) is due to be published on 9 April, offering deeper insights into these and other royal anecdotes.
