Prince Andrew scandal could reshape the monarchy: Will King Charles III step down?
Charles III (photo: Getty Images)
A new scandal has erupted around the British royal family following the arrest of Prince Andrew. Experts are speaking of a serious crisis for the monarchy and even the potential abdication of King Charles III, according to the Daily Mail.
Read also: King Charles III breaks silence on Prince Andrew's arrest
On February 19, police arrived at the prince’s residence without warning and escorted him from the house around eight in the morning.
However, according to analysts and sources close to the royal family, this incident may be just the beginning of a larger scandal.
The palace fears further revelations that could lead to compromising facts and even criminal charges.
Against this backdrop, speculation is growing that the situation could deliver a serious blow to the reputation of the entire British monarchy.
Conflict between William and Andrew
Insiders say Prince William has long advocated for tougher measures against his uncle.
"William absolutely loathes Andrew and has for years," said a source close to the royal family.
Prince William (photo: Getty Images)
Sources speaking to journalists note that the heir to the throne even issued an ultimatum to his father regarding Prince Andrew’s future.
"He told his father: 'It's either him or me'. So, Charles had to step up and ice Andrew out," said the source.
Despite this decision, the king’s brother continued to live rent-free for a time in one of the royal estates at Sandringham.
The situation was further inflamed by the release of emails from Prince Andrew’s former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
In them, she allegedly referred to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein as "the brother I have always wished for."
This correspondence has once again drawn attention to the prince’s longstanding ties to Epstein, a figure accused of running a large-scale sexual exploitation scheme.
According to sources, Andrew himself is in a difficult emotional state following his release from custody.
"Andrew is on watch. He's an international pariah, and this [arrest] is just the trade envoy stuff," an insider said.
Prince Andrew (photo: Getty Images)
Was King Charles III aware, and will he abdicate?
Following the prince’s arrest, British media began raising questions about whether King Charles III was informed of the details of the scandal surrounding his brother.
A former aide to the royal family said the current situation is seriously undermining the monarch’s authority.
"Charles is now a lame duck," he said.
Critics also note that the royal family previously lent Prince Andrew around $16 million to settle a lawsuit related to the Epstein case.
Andrew himself has denied all allegations.
Amid the scandal, some commentators have even begun discussing the possibility of King Charles III abdicating.
Charles III (photo: Getty Images)
In their view, such a move could help preserve the monarchy’s authority and pass power to a new generation.
Prince William and Princess Kate remain the most popular among Britons.
According to a YouGov survey, they are supported by 77% and 74% of citizens, respectively.
Experts believe that they may represent the future of the British royal family.
At the same time, no official statements regarding a possible abdication by Charles III have been made.
You might also be interested in:
- Why Kate Middleton is angry over Andrew’s actions
