Andrew Lownie, a historian and author, has spent years delving into the lives of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. His work, including interviews with 300 insiders and access to sensitive National Archives files, has culminated in a biography that coincides with a tumultuous period for the former prince. Last week, King Charles announced that his brother would be stripped of his royal titles and required to vacate his residence at Royal Lodge.
Lownie’s book, Entitled, was released shortly before Prince Andrew’s dramatic fall from grace, and it is poised to become a bestseller. The biography offers more recent information and less speculation than previous works, such as Nigel Cawthorne’s 2020 book, Prince Andrew: Epstein, Maxwell and the Palace. Lownie suggests that the revelations about Andrew Mountbatten Windsor are far from over, stating,
“I think there’s lots more still to come, lots more, and it will be even more damaging material.”
The Rise and Fall of a Royal
Lownie, known for his expertise in royal scandals, has previously written about the Duke of Windsor, whose abdication in 1936 was a significant crisis for the British monarchy. His latest work, Entitled, explores themes of childhood trauma, infidelity, and corruption, painting a picture of a royal life fraught with controversy.
For over two decades, Prince Andrew’s reckless behavior and dubious associations have been public knowledge. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has announced plans to move into a separate home, shares a similar reputation. Their close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were a significant factor in their downfall. Lownie writes about Andrew’s alleged involvement with Epstein, quoting Epstein’s claim,
“he likes to engage in stuff that’s even kinky to me — and I’m the king of kink.”
Public Scandal and Legal Battles
In 2019, Prince Andrew stepped down from royal duties following a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight, where he denied allegations made by Virginia Giuffre Roberts, a self-described Epstein “sex slave.” Despite his denials, Andrew settled with Giuffre for a substantial sum. Court documents later revealed emails suggesting continued communication with Epstein.
The tragic suicide of Giuffre in April and the release of her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, prompted the palace to take decisive action against Andrew. A BBC producer revealed to Lownie that they found personal emails between Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell discussing Giuffre, indicating an effort to discredit her.
Dubious Dealings and Financial Controversies
Prince Andrew’s fall from grace is also linked to years of questionable financial dealings. After a naval career, he took on a role promoting British trade, blurring the lines between royal duty and personal gain. His associations with regimes in Libya, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan raised eyebrows, as did his dealings with a Chinese businessman linked to the Chinese government.
Despite his financial controversies, King Charles seems prepared to support Andrew financially, a decision that raises questions given Andrew’s reputed earnings over the years.
The Role of Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson, known for her extravagant spending, has also been involved in questionable financial activities. Her earnings from book deals, television appearances, and charity work are substantial, yet her spending habits are described as “literally staggering.”
Ferguson’s connections to the royal family and her celebrity lifestyle have often overshadowed her charitable endeavors. While she is known for her empathy towards children, her ventures have sometimes benefited her more than the intended causes.
Comparisons and Consequences
The Mountbatten Windsor family, now stripped of royal titles, draws comparisons to the Trump family in terms of their lavish lifestyles and controversial dealings. Former President Donald Trump recently commented on King Charles’ decision, expressing sympathy for Andrew.
Lownie’s book draws parallels between Andrew’s lifestyle and Trump’s, particularly in their shared penchant for opulence. The book also highlights the privileged access granted to Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, by Middle Eastern allies.
Lownie’s narrative is compelling, revealing insights into Andrew’s character, such as his claim of being unable to sweat, which he attributed to stress from his military service.
The Monarchy’s Future
The revelations about Prince Andrew have undoubtedly tarnished the royal family’s reputation. However, King Charles’ decisive actions may have safeguarded the monarchy’s future. His adept handling of state matters, such as hosting Trump’s state visit, has bolstered his image as a constitutional monarch.
Whether Andrew’s exile will prevent further scandals remains uncertain. Speculation suggests he might relocate to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where he could maintain a semblance of his former lifestyle.
As Lownie concludes, the monarchy’s survival hinges on its ability to adapt and maintain public trust, a challenge exacerbated by political leaders’ diminishing credibility.
