UK Prince Andrew in Hot Water: Epstein Revelations Rock Royals

[webfact]

File photo

 

The recently published book "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York" has thrust Prince Andrew back into the media spotlight. Written by historian Andrew Lownie, the unauthorised biography reveals fresh insights into Andrew's contentious connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and explores his finances and foreign dealings. Released on Thursday, the book has sparked a storm of headlines, adding to the ongoing scrutiny faced by the prince.

 

The explosive content of the book is based on four years of meticulous research and over 100 interviews, many of which were conducted with anonymous sources. As the book's pages grace the Daily Mail, a poll indicates that two-thirds of Britons wish to see Prince Andrew stripped of his remaining royal titles.

 

A YouGov survey echoes this sentiment, ranking Andrew as the least popular royal, supported by a mere 5% of those surveyed.

 

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has remained tight-lipped regarding both the book and the recent polling.

 

Under the gaze of public disapproval, Andrew's previous attempts to rehabilitate his image have proven ineffective. He returned his military affiliations and royal patronage after failing to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse, which led to a sizeable out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre.

 

The tragic suicide of Giuffre earlier this year called further attention to the weight of the allegations surrounding Andrew.

 

In December 2024, a controversy involving a Chinese national, Yang Tengbo, suspected of espionage, further exacerbated Andrew's woes. A court ruling exposed their business dealings, intensifying accusations of poor judgement on Andrew’s part, reported NBC.

 

Despite declining public appearances, Andrew remains under intense scrutiny. The infamous 2019 "Newsnight" interview still haunts his reputation, with calls growing louder for accountability. While King Charles might hesitate to revoke Andrew's titles, experts suggest Prince William might adopt a more assertive stance when he eventually takes the throne.

 

The royal family faces the complex challenge of managing Prince Andrew's scandal without provoking further backlash. Balancing the family’s public image against internal dynamics may dictate future actions towards Prince Andrew, with commentators suggesting a preference for damage control over drastic measures.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBC News 2025-08-16