Former Palace Staff Deliver Unanimous Verdict on Prince Andrew's Character
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has consistently faced allegations of sexual impropriety and misconduct during his public duties. However, the most damning assessments of his character come not from legal accusations, but from those who worked alongside him within the royal household. Former Buckingham Palace staff members have provided strikingly similar accounts of his behaviour, describing him as arrogant, entitled and difficult to work with.
Media Spokesman's Scathing Assessment
Dickie Arbiter, who served as the late Queen Elizabeth's media spokesman for over a decade, remains a staunch defender of most royals. He praises King Charles for his dedication, recalling how the then-Prince of Wales would work late into the night on royal duties. Arbiter also fondly remembers Princess Diana's thoughtfulness, particularly when she organised a surprise fiftieth birthday celebration for him in September 1990.
However, Arbiter's tone changes dramatically when discussing Prince Andrew. He told The i newspaper that current Buckingham Palace press officers must feel relieved they no longer have to answer for Andrew's actions. "They don't have to deal with that arrogant and entitled behaviour anymore," Arbiter stated bluntly, highlighting the contrast between Andrew and other working royals.
Security Chief's Unflattering Encounter
Dai Davies, who served as Operational Unit Commander for Royal Protection during the mid-1990s, commanded approximately four hundred and fifty highly-trained police officers responsible for safeguarding the royal family worldwide. Davies recalls most royals as "perfectly pleasant" to work with, particularly praising Charles's politeness and Diana's warmth.
Yet Davies has few positive words about Prince Andrew, describing him as "rude and dismissive." He recounted a specific incident when Andrew telephoned about a security matter and demanded to speak to Davies's superior, refusing to accept that Davies was the most senior officer available. "I found him boorish and ignorant," Davies said, emphasising the prince's lack of respect for palace staff.
Equerry's Near-Breaking Point Experience
Colin Burgess, who worked as equerry to the late Queen Mother for several years, revealed to royal biographer Andrew Lownie how Andrew nearly pushed him beyond his limits. Burgess described an incident at Clarence House when Andrew barked at him: "You, wrap that!" while pointing at an object. "I just thought, you rude, ignorant sod, and felt like decking him," Burgess confessed, illustrating the prince's demeaning treatment of staff.
Political Fallout and Succession Concerns
These consistent accounts from former palace employees have gained political significance. During a recent parliamentary debate, trade minister Chris Bryant echoed the staff's descriptions, calling Andrew a "rude, arrogant and entitled man." Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey added that Andrew "has shamed our country and the Royal Family."
The controversy has reignited discussions about Andrew's position in the line of succession. MP Luke Taylor highlighted that when photographs emerged in 2011 showing Andrew with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew was fourth in line to the throne. "At the time that scandal was occurring, he was so close to the throne. It's disgusting," Taylor stated, announcing his intention to push for legislation removing Andrew from the succession line.
These revelations from former palace staff, combined with growing political pressure, paint a troubling picture of Prince Andrew's legacy within the royal household. The unanimous criticism from those who worked closest with him suggests behavioural patterns that extend beyond his public scandals, raising serious questions about his continued association with the monarchy.
