Queen Elizabeth latest news: Charles REFUSES to answer questions on Prince Andrew case as Her Majesty CUTS Duke ties
THE Queen stripped Prince Andrew of his title because she feared not doing so would DESTROY the royal family, it has been claimed.
The Duke of York was sensationally STRIPPED of his military & HRH honours by the Queen amid his sex assault scandal.
The bombshell news was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening – just days after a US judge ruled the abuse claims against him should go to trial.
The Queen felt she had no choice but to make the "ruthless and swift" decision for the good of the Royal Family as an institution, the Daily Mail reported.
Her Majesty is said to have "widely discussed" what to do with Andrew with her family, with Prince Charles and Prince William said to be "instrumental" in influencing the final decision she arrived at on Wednesday.
Prince Andrew was summoned for a 90-minute meeting with the Queen at Windsor Castle yesterday, driven there by his personal lawyer Gary Bloxsome who was reportedly unable to enter the building and was forced to wait in the car.
Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Louis Allwood
Birthday message to sister-in-law
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made sure to send their regards to sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, on her 40th birthday earlier this month and an expert has claimed that it was a very ‘private moment’.
“They did a video call,” royal expert Christopher Andersen exclusively told Us Weekly on Tuesday, January 11.
“They wished her a happy birthday. [It was] very private.”
He explained that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly displayed “their affection” for Kate on her 38th birthday in 2020, but things have since changed between the couple and the rest of the royal family.
“This time everything was kept private,” Andersen added.
- Louis Allwood
Sarah Ferguson will continue to use title
Despite divorcing Andrew in 1996, Fergie will be allowed to continuing using the title until she marries someone else, at which point she would lose it.
She is “to remain the Duchess of York” even after Prince Andrew was stripped of his HRH titles and honours by the Queen.
Friends of Sarah told the Daily Mail: “That has been her title since their divorce and that is how it will stay.
“Andrew is still the Duke of York, so it is not an issue.”
- Louis Allwood
Royal refusal
The Prince of Wales refused to answer questions about his younger brother’s position as he toured a storm-lashed country estate the day after the Duke of York was stripped of his honorary military titles and gave up his HRH style.
On Thursday evening, Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the Queen.
The move came after a judge in America threw out Andrew’s motion to dismiss a civil sexual assault case against him, and ruled it can go to trial.
Charles, who is the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, was pressed on the issue by a reporter as he he met people involved in the clear-up operation after Storm Arwen in the north east of Scotland.
A reporter asked him for his view on Andrew’s position – but the Prince of Wales ignored the question, and went on to shake hands with some of those he was there to meet in the storm-hit country estate.
- Milica Cosic
Fergie's been a 'shoulder to cry on'
The Queen issued a statement on Thursday revealing that Prince Andrew has been effectively banished by the Royal Family, with little chance of a return to public life.
Phil Dampier told Sun Online: "I don't think he and Fergie will remarry – she's very loyal and supportive, but they're not romantically involved any more and I don't think they have been.
"Clearly, however, she's been a shoulder to cry on."
Fergie lives in a wing of Royal Lodge, despite the former couple's divorce.
She's also been publicly supportive of Andrew.
While their daughters Eugenie and Beatrice have made no public statement on their father, it's understood that – while deeply shaken by the allegations made against him – they are also supportive.
- Milica Cosic
Andrew and Fergie seen together for first time
PRINCE Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have been seen together for the first time since he was sensationally stripped of his royal titles this week.
The former couple looked pensive as they were seen driving away from their shared home in Windsor – after it was revealed Charles and William spent Christmas planning to axe the Duke.
Andrew, who was at the wheel of the Range Rover, was wearing a pullover and a yellow shirt with an open collar, while Fergie, in a knitted hat, appeared to be talking to him.
Their car was being closely followed by another 4×4, driven by members of the prince's police protection squad.
The sighting comes amid one of Andrew's most challenging weeks yet.
Prince Andrew was spotted with former wife Sarah Ferguson this week amid one of the royal's toughest-ever weeksCredit: LNP - Milica Cosic
Johanna Sjoberg as a witness in Andrew's trial
Epstein’s former personal assistant Johanna Sjoberg has claimed the Duke groped her breast when she was 21 years old while she sat on a sofa with him and Ms Giuffre.
Court documents revealed Andrew allegedly touched the Florida hairdresser, 41, as they posed for a picture.
In her testimony in 2016, she said Andrew and Ms Giuffre were sat on a couch with a Spitting Image puppet on her lap.
She said: “And so then I sat on Andrew’s lap – and I believe on my own volition – and they took the puppet’s hands and put it on Virginia’s breast, and so Andrew put his on mine.”
Ms Sjoberg, an American, alleged the incident happened at the New York home of his deceased paedo pal Epstein, according to court papers.
- Milica Cosic
Key witnesses who could be called in Andrew's trial
FIVE key witnesses could be called to link Prince Andrew to his rape accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre – as well as Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Here are five more witnesses could be called to testify against the Duke of York and link him to Ms Giuffre, Epstein and Maxwell.
- Johanna Sjoberg
- Steve Scully
- Anthony Figueroa
- Larry Visoski
- 'Jane'
Read the article in full here.
'No way back' for Andrew
Currently, it appears as if there's no way back for Andrew, and he may never stand beside his family on the balcony of the Palace for public events again.
A Royal source made clear this week that the move is a permanent one – and said of Andrew's titles and patronages: "They will not return to The Duke of York."
In reality, it's difficult to predict what this will mean going forward.
It's the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this year, with a huge range of events planned for the royals.
In normal circumstances, Andrew would be expected to stand alongside his mother at her birthday parade's famous Trooping the Colour parades, for example.
But now he may not even have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.
A remembrance service for father Philip is also planned this year.
But there's a possibility Andrew may not attend such a public commemoration.
A Palace spokesperson said today: "We wouldn't comment on that speculation."
Five challenges Prince Andrew faces
The tightly-written 42-word missive from Her Majesty will likely result in the Duke of York fading from public life forever.
Many will be wondering what happens next for the 61-year-old as speculation rages that he's facing financial hardship – and sources claim he's already planning a route back to public life.
Here are five possibilities for his future.
- A comeback
- His titles – including relinquish his dukedom.
- Split from Charles and William
- Prince Philip's memorial – including the possibility that he may not even have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day
- Family stand by him
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
Discussions with Andrew 'went on for hours'
The Queen and Prince William spoke at length in her private quarters before the decision was reached.
A royal source said last night the Duke of Cambridge was locked in talks “for more than an hour”.
It is also understood that Prince William, 39, made sure no stone was left unturned.
Prince Charles also played a part in the summit, where he spoke to the Queen by phone from Scotland.
It is also claimed that Andrew and the Queen spoke for more than 90 minutes, as she dropped the bombshell decision.
- Milica Cosic
Andrew 'tried to bring lawyer' to summit
It is reported that Prince Andrew attempted to bring his personal lawyer to the summit this week, where he was was summoned to meet The Queen and the outcome signalled the end of public royal life for him.
He was driven to Windsor Castle by his brief Gary Bloxsome, but he was swiftly told he would not be allowed inside with him.
Instead, he waited outside in the car, the Daily Mail reports.
The involvement of Mr Bloxsome may indicate Andrew had been taking legal advice before facing his mum in Windsor Castle.
- Milica Cosic
Six revelations from Prince Andrew summit
Prince Andrew has been removed from official royal life this week, after being told he must face a civil trial. However, the meeting with the Queen is said to have been far from straight-forward.
Here are the six key revelations from Windsor Castle as it was decided the “axe should swiftly fall” on Andrew’s royal career:
- Andrew 'tried to bring lawyer' to summit
- 'Furious' William's part
- Queen's 'financial lifeline'
- Andrew 'shell-shocked' by decision
- Queen told Andrew face-to-face
- Discussions 'went on for hours'
- Milica Cosic
Statement in full as patronages handed back to the Queen
The Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have now been returned to the Queen.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement this evening: “With The Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen.
“The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
- Milica Cosic
What were Prince Andrew’s military titles?
Over the years, Prince Andrew was awarded a number of military titles.
Those titles included:
- Honorary air commodore of RAF Lossiemouth
- Colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment
- Colonel-in-chief of the Small Arms School Corps
- Commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm
- Royal colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers
- Deputy colonel-in-chief of the Royal Lancers
- Royal colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
Explained: Why has Andrew lost his patronages?
The Buckingham Palace bombshell was announced on January 13, 2022, and comes amid growing anger at the Duke of York's sex assault lawsuit with Virginia Guiffre.
The historic decision followed talks within the family about the growing problem and the Duke will now face his US lawsuit as a "private citizen", meaning he can't hide behind royal privileges.
Judge Lewis Kaplan gave the go-ahead for a civil trial before a jury in New York later this year for his civil case with Ms Giuffre who claims she was sexually abused when aged 17.
Ms Giuffre claims she was forced to have sex with the Duke of York three times back in 2001, before the age of 18.
Her bombshell allegations have dogged Andrew, 61, since 2011 but Prince Andrew strongly denies any wrongdoing and has even said he's never met Ms Giuffre.
Andrew is reportedly seeking an out-of-court settlement for Ms Giuffre which could be up to £10million.
- Milica Cosic
Royal fans fury
Commentator Darren Grimes has commented on how the Queen will be facing a difficult Platinum Jubilee, saying that it should have been a 'truly special one'.
Darren said: "I feel so sorry for HM The Queen, 95-years-old, without her closest confidant, having to deal with the petulant prats in Harry & Meghan and of stripping her son of his Royal and military titles as he makes headlines across the globe.
"This year should’ve been a truly special one."
However, royal fans were quick to defend the Sussexes.
One fan said: "Stop deflecting onto the Sussexes. This is Prince Andrew's time."
Another chipped in saying: "Why name Harry and Meghan, but not Andrew?"
A third said: "I'm sorry for Harry and Meghan. No wonder they walked."
And, a fourth commented, saying that: "Telling that you slip in an insult for Harry and Meghan but not for Andrew."
- Milica Cosic
More bad news for Prince Andrew
In yet more bad news for the Duke, he was also told this week he will face a civil trial by jury after attempting to have the case dismissed on a technicality.
He vehemently denies any claims of wrongdoing.
He's been publicly backed by ex-wife Fergie, and it's understood both Beatrice and Eugenie – while deeply shaken by the allegations – have privately supported their dad.
It's alleged, however, that Beatrice has "absolutely no recollection" of the Pizza Express visit.
Sources say the Duke will continue to defend himself against the claims made against him, although the option of a hefty £10million settlement remains on the table.
- Milica Cosic
Important Prince Andrew news you may have missed
- It's claimed Andrew's brusque removal from his public-facing role as a royal is a victory for Prince Charles
- Piers Morgan warns Andrew “far worse is to come” after the “utter humiliation” of his relegation
- The Duke faces the further humiliating prospect of being kicked out of his 31-bedroom Georgian mansion and losing his police protection
- The Queen is reportedly following the same model as Megxit
- But Her Majesty is "heartbroken" over the sex abuse scandal that has divided the family
Beatrice will NOT be forced to take stand in Andrew’s case
PRINCESS Beatrice will not be forced to take the stand in her father Andrew's sex abuse case, lawyers say.
Sources close to the Royal Family say they'd been braced for Beatrice, 33, to be called as a key witness.
However, in a surprise move last night, legal counsel for accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre say they only plan to seek depositions from two British witnesses, the Telegraph reports.
It means both Beatrice and Sarah Ferguson won't have to fly to New York to give evidence if a trial does ultimately take place.
Prince Harry's childhood outburst 'predicted his royal future'
Two years ago, Prince Harry faced his family for crunch talks on his future with Meghan Markle – in what became known as the Sandringham Summit.
At the summit, Harry met with the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William to negotiate his and Meghan's exit from the Firm.
And the outcome of those talks had eerily been predicted by Harry decades earlier during a childhood argument with Prince William, where the pair were travelling from London to Gloucester.
The incident was overheard by Ken Wharfe, a long-serving protection officer to the royals.
Ken said that: "Harry out of nowhere said: 'William, one day you’ll be king, I won’t, it doesn’t matter therefore I can do what I like'."
Kate Middleton carries 'heavy burden'
Royal expert Robert Jobson believes that the royal family are still feeling the impact of the hole left by the Sussexes, especially since Andrew was forced to step down.
He told the Mirror: "Two years on front the Sandringham summit the dust has settled over Harry and Meghan’s decision to quit as full time royals.
"So much has changed, but one thing is certain – the Sussexes’ departure has left the Monarchy in a worse position."
Robert continued to comment how in the long term the royals will feel the full effect of what has happened in the last couple of years, saying: "But long term it will be William and his wife, Catherine, who will carry the heavy burden of making the Crown relevant.
"This year promises to be especially difficult for the queen."
He added: "For William and Catherine, however, the shining star stars of the monarchy, there is no respite.
"With Meghan and Harry out of the picture, the spotlight is on them and the extra workload too."
- Milica Cosic
Harry & Meghan had ‘private moment with Kate' to celebrate her b-day
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made sure to send their regards to sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, on her 40th birthday earlier this month and an expert has claimed that it was a very 'private moment'.
“They did a video call,” royal expert Christopher Andersen exclusively told Us Weekly on Tuesday, January 11.
“They wished her a happy birthday. [It was] very private.”
He explained that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly displayed “their affection” for Kate on her 38th birthday in 2020, but things have since changed between the couple and the rest of the royal family.
“This time everything was kept private,” Andersen added.
- Milica Cosic
Ghislaine Maxwell to be sentenced in June
Brit socialite Maxwell, 60, is now facing spending the rest of her life in prison after being convicted of five out of six counts of sex trafficking for vile Epstein’s paedophile ring.
Maxwell helped entice vulnerable teenagers to Epstein's various properties for him to sexually abuse between 1994 and 2004.
On the final day of the trial in December, Assistant US Attorney Alison Moe summed up the prosecution case against Maxwell, who she said was a "grown woman who preyed on vulnerable kids”.
The prosecutor said Maxwell was a “sophisticated predator who knew exactly what she was doing” who “ran the same playbook again and again and again”.
“She manipulated her victims and groomed them. She caused deep and lasting harm to young girls,” Moe said.
As the verdict was handed down by a jury of six women and six men, Maxwell – branded "dangerous" by the prosecution – showed little emotion.
She will now find out her sentence on June 28, 2022.
- Milica Cosic
Royal news you may have missed
- Prince Andrew now faces the further humiliating prospect of being kicked out of his 31-bedroom Georgian mansion and losing his police protection.
- It comes as he's stripped of his royal patronages and military titles after the Queen held an hour-long summit with Charles and William at Windsor Castle.
Prince Andrew ‘fears being left completely BROKE’
The Duke of York – who has now lost his royal and military titles – is allegedly fearing financial ruin as he continues to battle Virginia Giuffre's sex abuse claims.
He allegedly told his closest confidants he fears being left insolvent in addition to being an outcast from his family, the Mirror reported.
A royal source said: “Until very recently it appears the absolute enormity of this case and the consequences he faces has not hit him.
“Now the bills are mounting up and the possibility of a settlement, or even worse a judgement against him, is being widely discussed; he fears complete financial ruin.
“Andrew thought, indeed he was advised that this would all go away in time and neither has happened, leaving him facing an extraordinary uphill battle to even salvage any crumb of his reputation.
“There is a very real prospect of him being completely broke.”
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