Experts suggest that Prince Andrew’s growing resentment toward Kate Middleton’s success within the royal family contributed to ongoing tensions with his nephew, Prince William. The feud, rooted in Andrew’s jealousy of Kate’s popularity and perceived poise, has been a significant factor in William’s stance of zero tolerance toward his uncle’s scandals. The alleged rudeness toward Kate, as detailed in an unauthorized biography, is believed to have exacerbated the rift, leading to long-standing family discord.
Multiple royal experts told Fox News Digital that scandal-ridden Andrew — once known as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite son — became increasingly jealous of the mother of three’s growing influence as a relatable royal who prioritizes family. “The feud between Prince William and Prince Andrew started primarily due to Andrew’s jealousy and resulting disparaging remarks regarding Kate Middleton,” British royals expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital. “Prince William was infuriated,” she claimed. “Being fiercely protective, he instituted a zero-tolerance policy toward any wayward behavior or scandals involving Prince Andrew.”
Before Andrew announced on Oct. 17 that he was relinquishing his Duke of York title, Richard Kay, editor-at-large of the U.K.’s Daily Mail, reported in 2024 that William and Andrew were at odds over Kate. “Differences between the monarch and heir do remain, especially when it comes to the Prince Andrew scandal,” he wrote at the time. “William has long held a grudge against Andrew for being unwelcoming when he first introduced then–Kate Middleton to the royal family and feels that his father has been too lenient.”
Fordwich claimed that Andrew resented the “attention and acceptance” Kate, 43, received as a working royal, despite not having an aristocratic background. “She was increasingly becoming more beloved and viewed as a stabilizing figure within the family. Prince William became ever more protective of Kate. As his uncle’s scandal deepened, his instincts were to protect their royal reputation,” Fordwich noted. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner supported this, stating, “The reality is that all senior members of the royal family hate being overshadowed by new, young upstarts, in their eyes.”
Andrew’s decision to step down from public life in 2019 came after renewed scrutiny over his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His latest announcement to renounce his royal titles followed the publication of a posthumous memoir by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and had sex with Andrew when she was 17. The Sun reported that Andrew has agreed to vacate his 30-room Royal Lodge, despite his lease, which lasts until 2078. However, he is reportedly demanding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former U.K. home, Frogmore Cottage, and William and Kate’s Adelaide Cottage for his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The Prince and Princess of Wales are moving to Forest Lodge next month.
“Given their disgust regarding Andrew’s scandals, both Prince William and Princess Catherine can’t even bear the thought of living near Andrew,” Fordwich claimed. Following Andrew’s scandals, William and Kate are said to be quietly enforcing a stricter, “zero-tolerance” approach within the monarchy. “Prince William always takes the harder line,” British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard previously told Fox News Digital. “He can see reputational damage escalating for the royal family and is reviewing a decisive way forward to combat further scandals.”
“He realizes it’s harder for the king to deal with his brother than it will be for him to deal with his uncle in due course,” said Chard. “However, he feels his father has teetered too long with the kid-gloves approach. Prince William and the whole royal family are fully supportive of King Charles taking a stronger stance against his brother. William would prefer a swift, clean break with Prince Andrew before things decline further. He also hopes to shield the king from the damage,” Chard added.
Andrew’s latest move comes amid pressure from Buckingham Palace and the British government to formally strip him of his royal titles. Officially stripping Andrew of his titles would require an act of parliament, but his decision to renounce his titles is seen as a step toward addressing the growing scrutiny surrounding him, particularly in light of the Giuffre allegations and continuing public outrage.