Kenneth Glad
Family tensions had reportedly been building out of public view. The accounts remain based on media reporting and have not been confirmed by the couple.
A royal commentator has claimed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had already been avoided at family gatherings before the latest controversy surrounding him became public.
According to the Daily Express, Maureen Callahan, a columnist who has written about the royal family, discussed the claim on The Royals Uncensored podcast while citing royal author Andrew Lownie.
Callahan said: “Andrew Lownie said that for quite a long time before the Andrew story blew up, Catherine would refuse to speak with him at family gatherings, William wanted nothing to do with him. When there is a King William I think Andrew will be fully expunged.”
Commentators describe earlier tensions
Sky News furthermore quoted royal author Christopher Andersen as saying Princess Catherine had moved away from Andrew early.
“She is the first royal to cut him off, to turn her back on him,” Andersen said.
The outlet said Andersen alleged Catherine did not want Andrew at her Westminster Abbey Christmas concert. The Waleses have not publicly addressed that account.
Andrew’s reputation suffered further after renewed scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. He has denied wrongdoing and allegations against him.
Property questions increased scrutiny
According to the newspaper, Andrew has moved to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate after losing his titles and Windsor home.
That shift came as attention on royal residences became more politically sensitive. Reports about favorable rental arrangements have fueled criticism at a time when many households face higher living costs.
Royal housing has also become a sensitive issue for the next generation. Geo TV said William and Catherine were reportedly paying higher rent for their home, presenting the move as a response to public anger over royal property arrangements.
“They’re in tune with the public mood and they’ve let it be known that they’re above criticism, which is very sensible,” royal expert Duncan Larcombe told Geo TV.
Public image matters
Larcombe said resentment over royal housing had already grown after earlier disputes involving Frogmore Cottage, and that Andrew’s situation sharpened the issue further.
For William and Catherine, the reports suggest a careful effort to avoid being drawn into criticism aimed at Andrew.
Their silence also leaves the claims in the realm of attributed media accounts rather than confirmed palace positions.
Kensington Palace was contacted for comment by the Daily Express, but a spokesperson for the couple did not respond.
Sources: Daily Express; Sky News; Geo TV
