‘Bleak’ prediction made over Prince Andrew’s royal future as Prince William wants him to ‘vanish’

According to a royal expert, Prince William has no plans to give Prince Andrew a second chance and the outlook for the disgraced Duke of York’s royal future is “bleak”.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that William, 42, has long harboured a deep resentment toward his uncle, describing their relationship as “strained and distant”.

She claims the Prince of Wales is determined to ensure Prince Andrew, 65, remains sidelined from the monarchy for good.

“Prince William has long had a strained and distant relationship with Andrew,” Hilary claimed. “He holds a grudge against his disgraced uncle. Andrew’s future within the royal family is beyond bleak, since Prince William is firmly opposed to any public rehabilitation, with no foreseeable path back. He wants Andrew to vanish from public view.”

Prince William ‘wants Prince Andrew to vanish from public view’

Veteran royal correspondent Jennie Bond echoed Hilary’s claims.

“William has been a strong voice in managing ‘the Andrew problem, ‘” she told Closer recently. “But he is adamant that there is no way back for his uncle.”

Andrew has become a liability for the monarchy.

His disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, in which he attempted to address his friendship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marked a turning point.

But he is adamant that there is no way back for his uncle.

Public backlash forced Andrew to step down from royal duties. His mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, also stripped him of his patronages and military titles in 2022.

“William’s strong stance on ‘the Andrew problem’ is consistent and unwavering. His influence has been decisive in ensuring Andrew remains sidelined,” Hilary added to Fox News Digital. “He is driven by his desire to protect the monarchy’s reputation, doing all he can to safeguard its future.

“[William is] very in touch with the public. Every public opinion poll has Andrew at the bottom, reinforcing Prince William’s stance. Once king, no doubt, William will ensure Andrew is completely excluded from royal life, as well as all public appearances.”

William’s ‘grudge’ against Andrew over Kate

The tension between William and Andrew reportedly predates the Epstein scandal.

The future king reportedly took issue with Andrew’s alleged treatment of Kate Middleton during the early years of hers and William’s relationship.

However, despite King Charles and William having many similar beliefs on running the monarchy, Richard explained they share differences when it comes to Andrew.

He said: “Differences between monarch and heir do remain, especially when it comes to the Prince Andrew scandal. William has long held a grudge against Andrew for being unwelcoming when he first introduced the then Kate ­Middleton to the royal family and feels that his father has been too soft on him.”

Prince Andrew scandals

Andrew’s ties to Epstein, as well as his out-of-court settlement with accuser Virginia Giuffre, continue to haunt him.

Virginia, who accused Andrew of sexually abusing her when she was 17, died earlier this year. However, her allegations, which Andrew has always denied, have left a mark on his reputation.

Reports suggest Andrew paid Giuffre millions in a confidential settlement in 2022.

While it’s said King Charles may privately feel some sympathy for his brother Andrew, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believes William’s priority is protecting the crown.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Richard said for William, “protecting the crown comes first above all” and there is “no place for Andrew once he becomes king”.