Prince William faced a pointed question about his uncle Prince Andrew during a public engagement in Saudi Arabia this week, highlighting ongoing tensions within the royal family over the Duke of York's association with Jeffrey Epstein. As the Prince of Wales conducted careful handshakes and clipped small talk, blending warmth and distance, a heckler interjected: "Sir, to what extent do you think the royal family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?"
William did not break stride, appearing either not to hear the question or firmly ignoring it as he continued with his engagement. Aides later insisted that he had "a job to do" and was focused on getting on with it, underscoring the disciplined approach of the 43-year-old heir amid diplomatic duties.
The incident, however, only reinforces what royal insiders describe as an unshakeable reality: William wants his uncle, the Duke of York, gone from public life for good—and has held this view for some time. Sources close to the palace indicate that William sees Prince Andrew not merely as an embarrassment, but as a lasting threat to the monarchy's credibility.
This stance comes as William navigates significant personal and familial challenges, including his father King Charles' cancer diagnosis and his wife Catherine's own health crisis over the past year. Against this backdrop, the Prince of Wales is said to prioritize protecting the institution's future.
A new book by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers, titled William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, provides further insight into William's position. Set for publication on 26th February by Ebury Publishing and Penguin UK Books in the UK, and on 10th March in the US, the book draws on exclusive access to those close to the couple.
A senior palace figure close to William is quoted in the book as saying that the Prince was "adamant the whole episode would never go away and, despite how others may have felt, there was absolutely no upside in Andrew being protected." This claim paints a stark picture of William's determination to distance the family from the controversy.
