Inside the Prince Andrew media frenzy that saw TV crews scrambled | Royal | News
Emily at the Palace became Emily at the Apostolic Palace this week as I traveled to the Vatican to follow the King and Queen’s two-day state visit. Home of the Pope, a treasure trove of art and architecture, and headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a truly incredible place.
I first visited here eight years ago with my mother and returned in April while doing some sightseeing ahead of Her Majesty’s state visit to Italy. But as you walk through the richly decorated interiors and pass Swiss guards dressed in Renaissance-era uniforms, you’re reminded of just how special the world’s smallest country really is.
In this context, the King made history by becoming the first British monarch to pray publicly with a Pope in 500 years. The brief but meaningful visit was a reminder that Charles doesn’t need to spend a week in one country to make a real impact, as we saw when he spent less than 24 hours in Canada during the summer months.
The Palace avoided any questions about Prince Andrew during the visit, but that did not stop the story from spreading within the country. And on Thursday evening, just when we thought we could close the laptops after a meaningful meeting with the Pope, rumors began to circulate of activity at Royal Lodge, Andrew’s lavish mansion on Windsor Manor.
Film crews and cameras had flocked to Berkshire in anticipation of a big announcement. As we prepared to board the plane home, there was a very uneasy atmosphere as we were unable to keep track of every possible event while in the air.
But as most of us were wearing our seatbelts, the Palace assured us there would be no statement or picture opportunity, dismissing the rumors as a media circus. That led to monetary relief, giving way to a barrage of questions about why the tip was made Thursday night.
Even broadcaster Emily Maitlis, who interviewed the prince in 2019, wrote of
Was this just a fuss for nothing, or was Andrew getting ready to pack his bags for good? I’m sure we’ll find answers to these questions in the coming days, because there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure of: there is zero hope that the scandals surrounding Andrew can be ignored.
I’m sure King, who is 76 years old and undergoing treatment for cancer, has better endurance than I do. Less than 12 hours after arriving home on Thursday night, Charles ceremonially welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Windsor Castle.
The quadrangle was bathed in vibrant autumn sunshine for the event, which was Zelensky’s first ceremonial welcome to Britain.
The king looked in fine form as he chatted animatedly with the wartime leader before heading inside for a private meeting. Yet I was working from home, stifling my yawns and fueling myself on endless coffees after starting too early this week for royal reporting.
All was quiet on the Montecito front, probably because Harry and Meghan were enjoying the chaos Prince Andrew was causing. But that changed on Thursday; The Duchess teased that there’s something going on next week (Tuesday, if you’re interested) after meeting her pal Courtney Adamo for a chat at a bookstore.
His positive promotion failed when the Mail announced it had lost its 10th publisher in just five years.
Emily Robinson, who joined as communications director in June, has already resigned.
It is truly remarkable to lose so many employees and further damage Meghan’s reputation.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all pay a “pepper rent” to live in our homes? The legal period requiring the leaseholder to pay a certain amount (usually just £1) is stipulated in Prince Andrew’s lease. Naturally, this statement caused an uproar, because it doesn’t seem right for a disgraced duke to be living rent-free in a luxurious 30-room mansion.
MPs, campaigners and even the public are keen for a change but unfortunately for the King, the decision must come from Andrew, which seems unlikely.
