Prince William is 'not a huge fan' of Andrew and 'joined calls to sack him from royal business'

PRINCE William was involved in the sensational decision to sack Prince Andrew amid claims he is "not a huge fan" of his uncle, reports reveal.

The Duke of Cambridge took part in talks between the Queen and Prince Charles to force Andrew to step down from royal duties following his car-crash BBC interview.

William – third in line to the throne – is understood not be the biggest fan of his uncle Andrew and believes his sacking was the "right thing to do", The Sunday Times reports.

Andrew was sacked by the Queen was stripped of his royal duties and £249,000 sovereign grant after stepping down from royal duties on Wednesday.

It came after the controversial interview with Emily Maitlis over his relationship with paedo Jeffrey Epstein.

And as the scandal continues to swirl around him, more members of the royal family appear to be distancing themselves from Andrew.

ROYAL FALLOUT

Meghan Markle was said to be "troubled" by the interview as a feminist who regularly campaigns for women's rights.

She had reportedly taken issue with her husband's uncle remark: "If you’re a man it is a positive act to have sex with somebody".

Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson had offered her full support to the duke ahead of the interview – praising him as "this giant of a principled man".

But even Fergie has remained tight-lipped since the show aired.

In a show of support, the Queen stood by her “favourite son” this week as they attended church on the Windsor estate where they live.

But she is now said to be "aggrieved" by claims she had approved the interview, which has seen Andrew blasted for his "lack of empathy" for Epstein's alleged victims.

'HOODWINKED'

One source told The Sunday Times her majesty is "privately supportive" of her favourite son Andrew – but also "deeply frustrated".

There is also said to be a feeling among royal circles the monarch was "hoodwinked" by her son – with plans now in place to cancel a 60th birthday bash for Andrew.

The duke will conduct no royal or public duties and will step back from all patronages following the bombshell decision to sack him.

But "naively positive" Andrew is reportedly already plotting his comeback – despite Charles wanting his brother permanently retired.

CAR-CRASH INTERVIEW

Andrew has been accused of sensational claims he bedded a 17-year-old and has faced mounting criticism for his friendship with the disgraced tycoon.

But he is believed to be unaware of the worldwide outrage sparked by his interview with Emily Maitlis, shown on BBC2 last Saturday night.

Viewers were especially angry over his lack of sympathy for the victims of Epstein, his former friend who died in August awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

He was also ridiculed over his repeated denials of any sexual relationship with then 17-year-old Ms Roberts.

Andrew has said he would be "happy to co-operate" with authorities investigating Epstein – opening him up to serious criminal risk.

The FBI are now examining procedures for a formal interview with Andrew in Britain.

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