Prince William’s deep-seated animosity towards his uncle Andrew Mountbatten Windsor stems from a “rude” remark Andrew made about William’s wife, Kate Middleton, as revealed in a new royal biography. This disclosure coincides with Andrew being stripped of his royal titles and evicted from his home, underscoring the ongoing fallout from his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The details of the feud were uncovered in Andrew Lownie’s book, “The Rise and Fall of the Yorks,” which draws on insider sources. According to the biography, William’s disdain for his uncle intensified after Andrew’s unspecified comment about Middleton, though the exact words were not disclosed. The book suggests that William has long supported his father, King Charles III, in taking a firm stance against Andrew. This support was evident in the recent decision to remove Andrew’s titles, a move that William reportedly endorsed wholeheartedly.
On Thursday, November 1, 2025, Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew would no longer hold the titles of Prince, Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh, or use the style “His Royal Highness.” Additionally, he lost honors such as the Order of the Garter and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. This action was taken amid renewed public scrutiny over Andrew’s links to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison. The palace stated that the changes were necessary to protect the monarchy’s reputation.
As part of the sanctions, Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge, his residence of many years, and will relocate to a property on the private Sandringham estate. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who had been living with him, will also move out and has lost her Duchess of York title. However, their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will retain their royal titles, as they are not directly implicated in the scandals. Andrew did not object to these measures, according to palace sources.
Andrew’s troubles began escalating with his association to Jeffrey Epstein, which led to a lawsuit in 2021 by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault when she was a teenager. The case was settled out of court in 2022, with Andrew denying any wrongdoing. Even before this, Queen Elizabeth II had stripped him of his military titles and patronages in 2022, prior to her death. These events have cast a long shadow over the royal family, prompting internal divisions.
The biography reveals that William’s hostility extends beyond Andrew to include Sarah Ferguson, whom he also “loathes.” William is described as impatient for the day when both are completely removed from royal circles, and he believes his father has been too lenient. An incident that particularly angered William was Andrew and Ferguson’s attendance at the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent in September 2025, where William felt ambushed and avoided being photographed with them.
This feud reflects broader tensions within the monarchy as it confronts modern challenges and scandals. William’s stance indicates a desire for a cleaner, more accountable royal institution, which may influence his actions when he ascends the throne. The public nature of Andrew’s demotion sends a strong message about the family’s commitment to upholding standards, even if it means confronting beloved members.
Looking ahead, Andrew’s reduced status and move to Sandringham represent a significant fall from grace, with royal commentators noting it could be a “living hell” for him due to his pride in his titles. The episode may have lasting effects on the royal family’s public image and internal dynamics, potentially leading to further reforms under Charles and eventually William’s leadership.