Andrew Lownie, a noted historian and author of the recently published book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, has made headlines with his claims regarding Prince Andrew’s troubled legacy. In a series of interviews this week, Lownie discussed the troubling allegations surrounding the Duke of York and pointed to a shared responsibility with the late Queen Elizabeth II for his controversial behavior.
Lownie, who has extensively researched Prince Andrew’s life, stated that he was not surprised by the latest revelations about the prince, which include allegations of orchestrating smear campaigns and engaging in inappropriate conduct. “I had a lot of the material that has emerged but couldn’t put in my book for legal reasons,” he explained. He added that he believes even more damaging details are yet to be disclosed.
When asked about the severity of the allegations against Andrew, which involve claims of misconduct and associations with questionable characters, Lownie pointed to significant national security concerns. He suggested that intelligence services are particularly worried about the royal family’s connections with foreign entities, indicating a deeper issue than public perception alone.
The conversation took a turn when Lownie reflected on the monarchy’s current state under King Charles III. He noted that the changes under Charles are not sufficiently addressing the issues, saying, “I think it’s going to overshadow Charles’ very short reign.” He expressed hope that the future of the monarchy may see reforms under Prince William, who he believes will bring a more streamlined approach to royal duties.
Lownie highlighted how the late Queen’s protective nature toward Andrew may have contributed to his entitlement. “She had a blind spot,” he remarked, suggesting that the Queen, alongside her husband, Prince Philip, failed to hold Andrew accountable, which in turn nurtured his problematic behavior.
During the interviews, Lownie did not shy away from discussing the broader implications of his findings. He noted that the royal family, despite its historical status, must maintain public trust to survive. “If people feel that the royals have got their noses in the trough, that’s the end of the monarchy,” he warned, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
The discussion also touched upon ongoing legal challenges facing Andrew. Lownie expressed his belief that there are grounds to charge him with misconduct in public office, suggesting that legal action should be taken even if it results in imprisonment. The British group Republic has already initiated private action against Andrew for various allegations, including sexual assault and misconduct.
Reflecting on the future, Lownie speculated that in a year’s time, Andrew may find himself facing legal repercussions, possibly in a country without an extradition treaty with the United Kingdom. He noted the growing public and political pressure for accountability, saying, “Everyone has got the bit between their teeth.”
As the monarchy grapples with these challenges, Lownie acknowledged that his book has sparked serious inquiry into Andrew’s affairs, which may have lasting implications for the royal family’s reputation. He has faced criticism for his work but remains resolute in his mission to bring transparency to these institutions.
In a society increasingly demanding accountability from its leaders, the revelations surrounding Prince Andrew and the monarchy’s response may very well shape the future of the British royal family. Lownie’s insights highlight the complexities and the responsibilities that come with inherited privilege, suggesting that the path forward will require significant change.
