Fresh claims about ex-Prince Andrew‘s relationship with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, have surfaced in a new royal biography, adding another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of the late monarch’s final years. Historian Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, alleges that the ex-prince exerted significant pressure on the Queen as her health declined, at times “bullying” her into decisions.
Ex-Prince Andrew reportedly ‘bullied’ Queen Elizabeth II in her final days, claims royal author
Speaking at the Oxford Literary Festival, Lownie outlined his interpretation of events behind palace walls in the years leading up to the Queen’s death in 2022. According to the author, Andrew maintained a strong, at times forceful, presence in his mother’s life during that period. He suggested this influence shaped certain decisions, raising questions about how authority functioned within the royal household toward the end of her reign.
One insider described the allegations, writing, “Andrew Windsor bullied his doting mother in her final years, which will be deeply troubling to many who followed the late Queen’s reign.” Another source pointed out that, even as claims, the language in the book is likely to reignite discussion of internal family dynamics that have largely remained private.
The biography also revisits the long-discussed closeness between the Queen and Andrew. He was often described as her favorite son, a bond that, according to Lownie, may have influenced how she responded to him, particularly during periods of mounting pressure around the family. The author suggests that this personal connection may have enabled Andrew to maintain influence, even as the institution navigated broader challenges.
Lownie further argues that, in practice, responsibilities may have shifted to King Charles III in the Queen’s later years as the demands of leadership evolved. While Buckingham Palace has not commented on the book’s claims, the suggestion adds to ongoing speculation.
