Andrew overshadows royals at every turn – there’s nothing they can do | Royal | News

The Prince of Wales’s three-day visit to Saudi Arabia last week was supposed to be about his increasing role as a global statesman, strengthening ties both economically and diplomatically with our international ally. But unfortunately for Kensington Palace, the dark shadow of his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continued to loom over him.

Aides had attempted to address the situation by issuing a brief statement – William and Catherine’s first in connection with the Epstein scandal – before the heir left the UK. The idea was simple: to address the situation to prevent the entire trip from being derailed by a succession of allegations involving Andrew, and to ensure the focus remained on William’s most diplomatically challenging trip to date.

But it’s no surprise that William and his team have been unable to shift the focus away from the former prince, with Buckingham Palace making an unprecedented statement later the same day saying it was prepared to assist the police investigation into Andrew’s behaviour.

On the first full day of his trip, a reporter asked William: “Sir, how well do you think the Royal Family is doing on the Andrew and Epstein issue?” Although he did not respond, an aide sternly reminded the traveling media that William’s focus was on the task the Government had set for him.

This included a meeting and private dinner with controversial Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a meeting focusing on women and children, the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources, and an awe-inspiring visit to the stunning natural beauty of Al Ula.

For three days, it was clear that William’s mind was focused on the task at hand, trying to get the royal pageant back on track. He understands that the mood music in the house is anger, distrust and horror after the conveyor belt of new allegations against his disgraced uncle, but he wants to remind the nation of what the monarchy is capable of.

William has long been trying to show that the future of the monarchy is in safe hands. For the past few years, it has tried to convey an image of normalcy, relatability and positivity.

And the next few weeks and months will continue to be an uphill battle for his father and the rest of the royal family as they compete against the mounting allegations against Andrew. There is no doubt that the former Duke of York will continue to cast a dark shadow on everything the Royal Family does for some time to come.

Note: When I fell and broke my ankle in Saudi Arabia this week, I enlisted the help of my wonderful assistant Rebecca Russell. It’s been a tough few days, but I’m happy to be home. I’m absolutely devastated that this has brought an end to my London Marathon journey, but after some R&R this weekend I’ll be fighting alongside you in good shape next week.

Make sure our latest royal headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us your Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

If reports are to be believed, Sarah Ferguson is gearing up for (another) comeback. Amid claims she’s hiding out in the French Alps and the Middle East plotting her next move, it appears Teflon-clad Fergie truly believes she can get over the Epstein drama. Maybe he sees the world through permanently rose-tinted glasses, but given that it would be crazy for any charity to touch him with a 10-foot pole, any last-ditch shot at redemption feels like a fantasy.

In a scandal with more twists and turns than a thriller, it’s hard to predict what will happen next to the beleaguered Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Police have issued an update after emails emerged showing Andrew sent sensitive business documents to pedophile Epstein during his decade-long tenure as Britain’s trade envoy. Thames Valley Police have confirmed they will investigate whether the King’s brother committed misconduct in a public office… We await the outcome with bated breath.

While the world watched bombshell after bombshell further damage Andrew and Fergie’s reputation, Queen Camilla’s week was full of special get-togethers. As well as greeting her nephew Derek Paravicini, a blind and autistic pianist, with a kiss during a reception at Clarence House, the Queen also reunited with former ‘conversion doctor’ Mark Bolland (the man tasked with remaking her public image in the late 90s and early 2000s) and what a great job he did!

Ahead of a landmark hearing to examine whether tech giants are harming the health of young people, an emotional Prince Harry appeared on the verge of tears during a low-key appearance in Los Angeles, where he told grieving parents “none of you should be here.” Struggling with his emotions, Harry spoke to the group at a restaurant and praised them for “telling your stories over and over again.” This is the kind of cause we can all applaud Harry for supporting.