Prince Andrew has become a burden for the British royal family, and as days go by, things are only getting worse. The one most affected by all this is definitely Andrew’s brother, King Charles himself.
The 77-year-old king ascended to the throne in 2022 and has not yet completed five years on the throne. But thanks to his disgraced brother, there have already been calls for Charles to abdicate his throne.
Even after scrutiny intensified over Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Charles was not keen on punishing Andrew. According to a palace source, Charles “stalled, he made excuses, and he worried far more about Andrew’s feelings than the monarchy’s image,” according to a palace source.
Charles hesitated to take the title away from his brother because “He didn’t want to upset Andrew.” However, it was Prince William who realised the gravity of the situation and said, “This is existential. The monarchy is at stake.”
Should the King stop funding Andrew?
It’s understood that Charles is paying for his brother’s new life in Norfolk.
He may also be forced to foot legal bills after Andrew’s arrest.
The former Prince has denied any wrongdoing, but is it time the King cut him off financially? pic.twitter.com/URmnASy0P1
— Jeremy Vine & Daytime on 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) February 24, 2026
Not only that, but there have been many reports claiming Prince William never really liked his uncle in the first place. According to The List, Andrew did not have good things to say about Kate in the past, souring his relationship with William.
There is also the fact that after Andrew’s arrest on his 66th birthday, the situation is more dire than ever. King Charles even had to give his stance with an official statement.
Here, he stated, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”
He also added, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”
William and Kate’s spokesperson revealed their side of the story, expressing, “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
William’s reported disdain for Andrew appears to be boosting his popularity more than King Charles. Previously, the Daily Mail reported that a source informed, “William absolutely loathes his uncle and has for years. He would have Andrew banished…He told his father: ‘It’s either him or me.’ So, Charles had to step up and ice Andrew out.”
You can’t help who you’re related to.
Assuming the late Queen, King Charles, or Prince William knew what Andrew was doing simply because they’re related is not just unfair – it’s absurd.
Just like Andrew lied to the public and the press, he lied to his own family (as did… pic.twitter.com/MvppxiOMXR
— British Royaltea (@BritishRoyaltea) February 10, 2026
Daily Mail royal expert, Maureen Callahan, even went as far as to claim, “The King could wait a few weeks or months before citing his continued ill health…Charles must give up his crown in order to save it.”
Though this seems like a harsh critique, popularity polls actually show William is far more loved than King Charles. A report from GB News reported that William and Kate remain the most popular royals, even now, with the family being tarnished.
Perhaps Prince William will be able to clean the image of his family with his coronation, and that is exactly what his supporters are hoping for.
