A startling new royal biography has pulled back the curtain on the dramatically different childhoods of Princess Anne and Prince Andrew, painting a picture of a deep and lasting sibling divide forged within the walls of Buckingham Palace.
According to Ingrid Seward's forthcoming book, 'My Mother and I: The Inside Story of the King and Our Royal Family', the Queen and Prince Philip exhibited clear favouritism, treating their two youngest children as 'polar opposites'. The revelations suggest the dynamics that would define their adult lives were established in the royal nursery.
A Tale of Two Upbringings
Andrew, dubbed the 'playboy prince', was reportedly indulged and showered with affection, particularly by his mother. This preferential treatment created a 'special bond' between them but also fostered a sense of entitlement. In stark contrast, Anne was raised with the stiff upper lip and disciplined rigour characteristic of a bygone era, expected to be tough, self-reliant, and unemotional.
'Anne was taught not to show her feelings while Andrew was encouraged to show his,' Seward writes, highlighting the fundamental difference in their emotional education.
The Making of a Princess Royal
Princess Anne's renowned no-nonsense attitude and formidable work ethic weren't accidental; they were meticulously cultivated. Seward's biography claims she was deliberately toughened up by her parents, especially Prince Philip, who admired her resilience and stoicism. This upbringing forged the incredibly dedicated and respected royal she is today, often hailed as the 'hardest-working' member of the family.
The Indulgence of a Prince
Prince Andrew, however, existed in a separate world of indulgence. Described as 'a sweet-natured little boy' who became the apple of his mother's eye, he was rarely reprimanded. This lack of boundaries, the book implies, contributed to the development of the reckless and controversial figure he would become, whose actions would later trigger a catastrophic scandal for the monarchy.
The biography suggests that this early favouritism did not go unnoticed by their siblings, potentially sowing seeds of resentment and creating a familial rift that extended beyond just Anne and Andrew.
This intimate exposé offers a fascinating and critical lens through which to view the current Royal Family, explaining the stark contrast between the impeccable service of the Princess Royal and the fallen status of the Duke of York. It serves as a poignant reminder of how parenting, even in a palace, shapes destiny.
