Prince Andrew's experience in the Navy made him the Commodore of London's Royal Thames Yacht Club. However, his scandals and controversies continue to be a problem that the club is reportedly considering stripping the Duke of York of his crucial role.
According to Daily Mail, a secret meeting took place a few days ago where senior members of the Royal Thames Yacht Club discussed replacing Prince Andrew. Apparently, they want Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, to take over the key role. Prince William's wife has terrific sailing skills and has competed in regattas before.
Leaked documents of that said meeting showed that the senior club members frequently discussed replacing Prince Andrew with Buckingham Palace. The group has also initiated contacts with the Duke of York's people about the potential turnover. However, the Palace apparently wants to avoid further embarrassment so this remains a sensitive and quiet discussion.
The Royal Thames Yacht Club is a family-oriented club that has links to the royal family for over three centuries, dating back to the 1770s. Several monarchs served as commodores in the club's rich history but now, its membership feels that the Duke of York is ill-suited for his role.
Prince Andrew became the commodore in 1986 after Prince Charles was promoted to Admiral. Prince Philip was a patron of the Royal Thames Yacht Club and his uncle had been commodore as well.
The news comes as fresh developments came to light about Prince Andrew's alleged tryst with Virginia Giuffre, the woman accusing the Duke of York of abuse. Reports showed that the royal asked about his accuser from his friend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is facing trial in New York for sexual trafficking.
Court documents revealed that Maxwell and Prince Andrew discussed the lies from Giuffre in emails in 2015. The Duke of York remains uncharged for any crimes that might tie him to Maxwell's cases, who was arrested in June after years of hiding from U.S. authorities.
In November 2019, Prince Andrew stepped down from his royal duties amid the scandal involving Maxwell and the pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Sources said that the Queen's son might never return to his royal roles as the scandal looms over The Firm's reputation.
However, Prince Andrew still holds military roles despite scaling back on his public duties. The Duke of York repeatedly denies meeting or knowing Giuffre.
