Public calls for King Charles to distance the monarchy from Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have reached a boiling point after new controversy over their ties to Jeffrey Epstein reignited debate. With both Andrew and his former wife under heavy scrutiny, the question of whether they should continue to appear at royal events has sparked a wave of backlash.
The latest uproar began after a resurfaced video showed Andrew and Ferguson standing alongside King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate following the funeral of the Duchess of Kent. What seemed like a simple family moment quickly turned into a talking point, as viewers accused Andrew of deliberately shadowing William’s movements. Some even alleged he attempted to edge closer to the king, making the scene appear uncomfortable.
This appearance touched a nerve for critics who have long argued Andrew’s presence undermines the monarchy’s image. Social media users wasted no time urging the royal family to ban both Andrew and Ferguson from future gatherings. Hashtags demanding their exclusion trended across platforms, reflecting a growing frustration among royal watchers.
The outrage was further fueled by revelations surrounding Sarah Ferguson’s past comments about Epstein. Reports resurfaced that in 2011, the Duchess of York allegedly referred to the disgraced financier as a “supreme friend” in an email. The remark came just weeks after she had publicly vowed never to contact him again, raising questions about her sincerity.
According to The Sun on Sunday, Ferguson, now 65, later issued an apology to Epstein, adding fuel to the controversy. Her past connection to him has now drawn fresh condemnation at a time when the monarchy is already dealing with reputational challenges.
The fallout has been swift. At least five organizations have already cut ties with Ferguson, including the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. These groups cited her links to Epstein as inappropriate, making it clear that her continued role as a patron was no longer acceptable.
For the royal family, this wave of disapproval comes at a sensitive moment. King Charles is attempting to modernize and streamline the monarchy while battling health concerns. The association with Andrew and Ferguson represents a distraction the palace can ill afford.
Read More: Kate Middleton’s Secret US Alliance With Melania Trump Could Change Everything
Prince Andrew’s own reputation remains badly damaged from his years-long friendship with Epstein. In 2022, he was stripped of most of his royal duties and military titles after facing widespread outrage over his alleged involvement with the disgraced financier. Although he has denied wrongdoing, the stain of scandal has followed him relentlessly.
Royal experts warn that this renewed backlash could push Charles into making even tougher decisions. Some believe he may eventually be forced to publicly ban Andrew and Ferguson from official roles to protect the institution’s standing.
Observers note that the monarch’s options are limited. Cutting ties completely with Andrew risks deepening family tensions, particularly since Andrew has always insisted on his innocence. But allowing him or Ferguson to appear at high-profile events risks ongoing damage to the monarchy’s image.
Prince William and Princess Kate are also caught in the middle of this controversy. Their rising popularity has made them central to the royal brand, yet moments like the resurfaced funeral video risk overshadowing their work. Public pressure to shield the younger royals from scandal is intensifying.
Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson has remained active in charitable endeavors despite her controversies. But the growing list of organizations rejecting her patronage signals that her public role is rapidly shrinking. Analysts suggest this could make it nearly impossible for her to maintain a meaningful presence in the charitable sector.
The palace has so far remained silent on the latest uproar. Yet insiders acknowledge that the royal family cannot ignore the optics. With King Charles striving to protect the monarchy’s future, distancing the institution from Andrew and Ferguson may be an unavoidable step.
Whether Charles chooses to take formal action remains uncertain. But the pressure is building quickly, and as more organizations cut ties with Ferguson, the calls for accountability will only grow louder
