Prince Harry’s pointed criticisms of his disgraced uncle, Prince Andrew, have resurfaced as the latter once again faces intense scrutiny amid ongoing controversies.
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, their union was initially met with genuine excitement. Together with Prince William and Princess Kate, they formed the so-called ‘Fab Four,’ seemingly united at the heart of the Royal Family. However, beneath this surface camaraderie, tensions simmered.
While Harry and Meghan dutifully fulfilled their public roles, they privately battled serious struggles. Meghan later revealed she faced severe mental health challenges, even contemplating suicide during this difficult period. Meanwhile, Harry and his brother William acknowledged growing personal and ideological differences, leading Harry and Meghan to step back from full-time royal duties.
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Their decision sent shockwaves through the nation. The late Queen and her advisors ruled out any partial compromise, resulting in the Sussexes losing key privileges, including their official police security. This move was starkly different from how Prince Andrew’s situation was handled.
In his memoir, Harry noted that he and Meghan were subjected to the same heightened “threat level” as the late Queen. Hence, the removal of their publicly funded protection in 2020 came as a significant shock. At that time, the couple was residing in Canada with their infant son, Prince Archie, amidst tightening global travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With their location widely known, Harry described feeling vulnerable, like “sitting ducks.” Fortunately, entertainment mogul Tyler Perry stepped in, offering his personal security team and a temporary refuge on his estate.
A key factor in Harry’s expectation of continued security was observing how Prince Andrew retained police protection despite his ongoing scandals. Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after a disastrous interview addressing sexual assault allegations made by Virginia Giuffre—claims he denies—and his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the controversy, Andrew continued to enjoy police security, which Harry found deeply unfair.
Harry expressed his frustration, writing, “Despite being involved in an embarrassing scandal, accused of sexually abusing a young woman, nobody had suggested removing his security. People may have many grievances against us, but sexual offences weren’t one of them.”
Andrew reportedly maintained this protection until 2022, with the late Queen personally covering private security costs. King Charles initially continued this arrangement but allegedly ceased funding in 2024 to encourage Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-bedroom residence on the Crown Estate.
Last week, Andrew confirmed he would leave Royal Lodge, closing a chapter shadowed by his association with Epstein. Meanwhile, King Charles is pursuing legal measures to formally strip Andrew of his royal titles, despite the duke’s voluntary relinquishment. Andrew now goes by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, no longer carrying the princely title.
This stark contrast in treatment between Harry and Andrew highlights ongoing tensions and differing responses within the Royal Family amid scandal and public scrutiny.