A royal expert slammed Prince Andrew's recent behavior as his controversial association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to hog the headlines. Angela Mollard of the "Royals" podcast said that among Queen Elizabeth's children, it is the Duke of York who feels most entitled and pompous as a member of the royal family.
Mollard also said that Prince Andrew has such a "questionable character" despite denying the allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old in 2001. The royal expert revealed that because of these recent scandals, Queen Elizabeth effectively "kiboshed" her planned 60th birthday celebration for Prince Andrew in February 2020.
Apparently, Prince Andrew insisted this huge party from Queen Elizabeth. Mollard, who has been covering the royal family for years, said it was in the royal's nature to be entitled. With the party downgraded to a simple gathering for the family, Mollard said that all focus could go to Princess Anne, who will be celebrating her 70th birthday next year as well. Ironically, the Princess Royale isn't the kind to relish in the attention thus it remains to be seen what Queen Elizabeth has in the cards for her only daughter.
Meanwhile, although he is no longer a working royal since he resigned from his duties in November, Prince Andrew was seen at the staff Christmas party in Buckingham Palace this week. According to The Sun, the Duke of York's Bentley was spotted leaving Queen's official residence at 7:30 p.m. but the festivities for the royal employees continued later that night. Prince Andrew was driving the car while another man sat on the passenger seat.
The Duke of York joined Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles at this annual event. Royal expert Phil Dampier believes that there could be some tension between the Prince of Wales and his younger brother at that party, especially after their crisis lunch at Prince Philip's estate in Sandringham over a week ago. Apparently, Prince Charles read the riot act to Prince Andrew and informed him he won't have any chance of returning to his royal duties.
Yet Dampier also said that Prince Andrew's presence at the event was an indication that he still has the support of the rest of the royals. If he didn't attend the staff party, it would seem like he's been cast aside when the Queen wants to show solidarity.
Queen Elizabeth pays for the royal staff party at Buckingham Palace from her own money. This yearly event is her way of thanking the workers who keep the House of Windsor up and running.
