King Charles is once again facing mounting pressure to take decisive action against Prince Andrew as disturbing new details from Virginia Giuffre’s memoir reignite outrage over the Duke of York’s past. The controversy threatens to further damage the monarchy’s reputation, with calls for the King to strip his brother of remaining privileges growing louder.
According to royal expert Jennie Bond, the latest revelations from Giuffre’s book have left the public demanding accountability. “I think things have reached such a state now, with the latest excerpts from Virginia Giuffre’s book, that the public wants another show of punishment for Andrew,” Bond told The Mirror.
Prince Andrew, who has long been linked to the late convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, continues to cast a shadow over the royal family. His legal settlement with Giuffre in 2022, which involved a reported multi-million-pound payout, did not end speculation or restore his standing. Instead, the scandal remains a lingering stain that King Charles must now confront head-on.
Bond suggested that the monarch’s options are limited, but symbolic measures could be taken to reflect the seriousness of the situation. “It seems impossible to force him out of Royal Lodge,” she admitted, referring to Andrew’s lavish residence in Windsor Great Park. “But he could certainly be removed from the Order of the Garter.”
The Order of the Garter, one of the highest and most prestigious honors in the United Kingdom, has long been associated with service, chivalry, and integrity. Many royal observers argue that Andrew’s continued inclusion undermines the very values it represents.
For King Charles, this represents a deeply personal and political dilemma. As head of the monarchy, he must balance his role as a brother with his duty to safeguard the institution’s credibility. Bond acknowledged that the situation is “a hideous quandary for the King,” but warned that “Andrew’s association with Epstein—who so grievously preyed on young girls—is now tainting the monarchy and all the good work it does. Something has to be done.”
Public frustration has been simmering for months, with many citizens questioning why Andrew continues to enjoy royal privileges despite being stripped of his military titles and patronages in 2022. His attendance at family events and use of royal estates remain particularly controversial.
Even within royal circles, there are signs of tension. Some insiders claim that senior members of the family, including Prince William and Queen Camilla, believe that Andrew’s continued presence at public or semi-official gatherings risks overshadowing their efforts to modernize the monarchy.
“Banning him from shoots etc would be another humiliation, for sure,” Bond said, referencing Andrew’s participation in royal hunting traditions. “But is it enough?”
Royal watchers say that King Charles is acutely aware of public sentiment and the potential damage to his reign if he is perceived as protecting his brother. The King’s priority, they note, is to maintain the public’s trust in the monarchy, especially as he continues his own cancer battle and delegates more responsibilities to Prince William and Queen Camilla.
There is also speculation that the King could use Andrew’s financial situation as leverage. Reports have suggested that the Duke of York’s residency at Royal Lodge is becoming increasingly precarious, with Buckingham Palace reluctant to continue funding costly maintenance for the property. A forced relocation to Frogmore Cottage—once home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has even been floated as a possible outcome.
Public opinion polls show that a majority of Britons believe Prince Andrew should no longer represent the royal family in any capacity. While the palace has avoided commenting on the renewed scandal, insiders hint that discussions are taking place behind closed doors about how to distance the institution further from the disgraced duke.
King Charles, known for his cautious approach, may soon be compelled to act more decisively. For now, his silence only fuels speculation about whether his brother’s presence will remain a permanent embarrassment for the monarchy or mark the beginning of another royal reckoning.
