Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The royal family
Original poster

Andrew - continuing his effort to end the Monarchy Part 3

878 replies

simpsonthecat · 21/02/2026 19:39

Here we are

Previous thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_royal_family/5487636-andrew-continuing-his-effort-to-end-the-monarchy-part-2?page=20&reply=150676336

OP posts:
Thread gallery
44
Puzzledandpissedoff · 22/02/2026 12:13

I do not know how anyone could think that QE2 Charles or anyone had no idea what Andrew was up to

It's not my place to speak for anyone else, @simpsonthecat, but among the royalists I know it seems to come down to not wanting to believe it and accepting even arrant nonsense in the way of excuses

With so many staff I don't imagine Charles opens every email himself, so we'll probably hear that someone "failed to inform him" ...

nicepotoftea · 22/02/2026 12:15

BoxingHare · 22/02/2026 12:05

The problem is that royalty sells, so it's been almost necessary for the print/online media ("newspapers") to keep publishing fluff about them, and ignoring the other bits relating to various members of the RF.

The RF has control here because it can easily say to any paper, no, you're getting no access, no leaks, no more fluff stories for your publication. They feed the media the stories, and if one of them decides to stop playing along they'll have cut off one of their biggest income streams.

So, on it goes!

Show quote history

I think Royal scandal and glamour sells.

People like the dressing up for state banquets and royal babies, and they like the drama, but I don't think they really want to know Prince Williams's thoughts on mental illness, because apart from anything else he can only speak in platitudes.

The fluff is what the papers agree to publish in exchange for access.

iwouldshagtomhardy · 22/02/2026 12:15

PumpkinPieAlibi · 22/02/2026 10:43

I said nothing about exotic blood and it is a fact that Meghan is more relatable looks-wise to us in the Commonwealth than the RF ever were or could be. I say this as someone not white myself so please stope with the faux outrage.

Show quote history

I didn't say that you said exotic blood. Where did I? I didn't. What I SAID was that your reference to Meghan in these terms is shocking and that if it had been said a couple of years ago you would have been decimated if you were deemed to be the wrong poster. It doesn't matter what colour you are - it's the words used and yes I find it shocking. I have seen posters on here attacked right, left and centre for saying similar . We were even told on here that a person not of colour had no right to comment on a woman of colour's appearance. It seems Ok for you though.

PumpkinPieAlibi · 22/02/2026 12:19

iwouldshagtomhardy · 22/02/2026 12:15

I didn't say that you said exotic blood. Where did I? I didn't. What I SAID was that your reference to Meghan in these terms is shocking and that if it had been said a couple of years ago you would have been decimated if you were deemed to be the wrong poster. It doesn't matter what colour you are - it's the words used and yes I find it shocking. I have seen posters on here attacked right, left and centre for saying similar . We were even told on here that a person not of colour had no right to comment on a woman of colour's appearance. It seems Ok for you though.

Show quote history

I AM a woman of colour. Did you miss that part?

Are you trying to tell me as a BROWN woman that it is not possible or reasonable for me to find Meghan more relatable without me being 'racist'?

Anyway, moving on... I have just downloaded the Lownie book to start reading today.

CathyorClaire · 22/02/2026 12:34

Thanks for new thread, simsponthecat. Such an interesting discussion but everything coming out now seems to be accelerating at break neck speed.

So we have Ferg gone to ground in a £13K a DAY retreat and no idea who is paying.

All I can hope is the owner had the nous to charge her upfront.

We also have C3 advised as late as 2019 that MW was involved in unsavoury business dealings which has huge implications for the widening 'what they knew and when' imbroglio despite the desperate scramble to position him as having been against the TE appointment.

That concern appears to have stopped short of expressing any disquiet about ability to fulfil the role in an adequate or decent manner and focused on MW chasing women and playing golf yet we're expected to swallow it and let him off the hook 🙄

Mylovelygreendress · 22/02/2026 12:38

Lalgarh · 22/02/2026 12:36

The Mails description of him "wailing" is the thing that stuck out here

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15581369/Andrew-wailed-son-marched-Royal-Lodge.html

66 year old man realises his mother can't protect him anymore, and his brother likely hates his guts

I would love to have seen him being evicted .

bluegreygreen · 22/02/2026 12:46

Archive link: https://archive.is/ByjF4

A little bit of artistic licence, one suspects, especially as it happened in the middle of the night when there was no-one about.

A question for anyone who might know:

Given that AMW and Mandelson look likely to be charged with a similar offence, what would be the reason for arresting one but not the other?
Does it relate to powers that go alongside arrest, such as ability to search properties?

Hollyhobbi · 22/02/2026 12:51

simpsonthecat · 21/02/2026 19:56

This is interesting. We are not in a bubble! We have to see what other countries and nations report

Here's a rundown of the international press coverage:
"Andrew, the fall of the ex-prince who considered himself untouchable... The arrest of King Charles III's brother has put an end to his sense of impunity."
- Le Figaro, France
"In the United Kingdom, even earthquakes occur in moderation. But it is clear that the police arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has begun to shake the country's constitutional foundations and centuries-old customs."
- El Pais, Spain
"Shame of Thrones - Andrew facing life in prison and King under pressure as royal scandal plunges the palace into crisis."
- Herald Sun, New Zealand
"This image is making the rounds worldwide: former Prince Andrew appears frozen in panic. What is he thinking about after his arrest? It is reminiscent of the terrified sinners in ancient depictions of hell."
- Der Spiegel, Germany
"After Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, King Charles III was not in a sentimental mood. 'The law must take its course,' he said curtly. Not a word of support for his disgraced brother, who was taken into police custody on suspicion of breach of trust. The risk is too great that the head of state - and the entire institution of the monarchy - will be dragged further into the mire by the affair."
- Die Presse, Austria
"King Charles III's family, long rocked by infighting and grievous losses, is facing what could be the gravest threat to its moral authority in more than a generation."
- New York Times, US
"Whatever Congress expected to happen when it passed a law mandating the release of the Epstein files, presumably it wasn't the arrest of a British former prince... Yet so far that's the biggest fallout, as the Jeffrey Epstein material proves to be a bigger scandal in the UK."
- Wall Street Journal, US
"British public cheer Andrew’s arrest with a smile and relief... Some said the younger brother of King Charles III deserved to be detained and others that it sent the right message that the royal family is not above the law."
- Jamaica Observer, Jamaica

I got a notification on my phone from RTE saying that AMW had been arrested! About two hours after he was. This is from the Irish National Broadcaster. It’s headline news here.

PumpkinPieAlibi · 22/02/2026 13:00

Posting this in relation to a comment @Ukisgaslit wrote on the previous Andrew thread which is now closed.

It's clear Kate was smirking at Meghan and Harry's wedding but to be fair, she did seem to try to hold back. Camilla OTOH.

RainbowBagels · 22/02/2026 13:09

NoDrums · 21/02/2026 23:04

It is starting to look as if the people responsible just looked away. I’ve read so much I can’t recall where I read this but when the PPOs said something about Andrew bringing women to BP, a senior officer in the Met had said they should shut up and that the privacy of whom they were protecting had to be protected.

Fealty and subservience to the Crown in true feudal style. I can really see now why AMW acted with impunity - he absolutely got away with anything because the UK was his playground. Those Times and DT articles are worth a read, if you haven’t read them already.

Show quote history

Yes this is how it seems. And why? It makes no sense why so many people over so many parts of the establishment seemingly fell over themselves to shield the RF. It's embarrassing for us as a country.

RainbowBagels · 22/02/2026 13:13

bluegreygreen · 22/02/2026 12:46

Archive link: https://archive.is/ByjF4

A little bit of artistic licence, one suspects, especially as it happened in the middle of the night when there was no-one about.

A question for anyone who might know:

Given that AMW and Mandelson look likely to be charged with a similar offence, what would be the reason for arresting one but not the other?
Does it relate to powers that go alongside arrest, such as ability to search properties?

The police I think have already searched Mandlesons property. I wonder if it's because Mandleson has had the brains to get rid of much of the evidence whereas Andrew thought he would be protected again so it was easier to find sufficient evidence for an arrest.

RainbowBagels · 22/02/2026 13:24

NoDrums · 22/02/2026 10:37

Catherine as patron of the Rugby Football Union, and attending the game, was back to doing her Royal ‘duties’, as several papers pointed out.

I like the pictures of her laughing, they are perfectly pleasant. However, the hypocrisy in my eyes is that attending a Rugby match is touted as duty and so many members of the public (across the spectrum) have accepted this as work, and give the RF credit for it.

I think that roseate glow is now going away, and for the sake of this country, that it is completely
cleared.

I agree that hiring a Crisis Manager is not the most ethical move. But then again I think William has been given more credit for being someone I think he really isn’t, namely more in touch with reality, wanting to downsize the RF etc.

I think he’s very much a part of the firm and everything he’s done is to fiercely protect its interests, because the gravy train that has lumbered on for 100s of years is slowing down and maybe even ending.

Show quote history

I agree with this. They have got away with all this guff, aided and abetted by the very tabloids that are now demanding transparency. They hid their secrets in exchange for a nice slap up lunch with Camilla and some nice leaks.

TightlyLacedCorset · 22/02/2026 13:25

PumpkinPieAlibi · 22/02/2026 01:48

It seems that a whistleblower email was sent to Charles in 2019 via his lawyers re: Andrew abusing his position as trade envoy.

It's really disingenuous that people keep implying the RF were not aware of Andrew's shenanigans. Maybe not all of it, but definitely enough to have done something before.

Non-paywalled version - https://archive.ph/FFKAG

So, when is KC3 going to be questioned?

His senior staff?

William?

Why is Fergie allowed to breeze in and out of expensive Spas and when is she going to be forced back to answer questions?

Or am I being really naive?

They seem chilled like what happens next has all been sorted and agreed

Lalgarh · 22/02/2026 13:28

RainbowBagels · 22/02/2026 13:13

The police I think have already searched Mandlesons property. I wonder if it's because Mandleson has had the brains to get rid of much of the evidence whereas Andrew thought he would be protected again so it was easier to find sufficient evidence for an arrest.

Show quote history

Mandelson was using a BT internet email address to communicate whilst still a minister, which apparently had been deleted long ago, so there's likely less of a trace

TheAutumnCrow · 22/02/2026 13:53

Chattanoogachoo · 22/02/2026 12:03

I'm curious to know if Andrew would have signed the Official Secrets Act or had a job description for his trade envoy post.We may all know that he shouldn't have leaked information but those boundaries may not have been officially in place for him, meaning it could be difficult to charge or convict him
What may happen these is the police move to his other activities.

Sadly for Mountbatten-Windsor, we are all bound by the Official Secrets Act, no-one ‘signs’ it. It just is the law.

People in certain sensitive government roles or those who are working in certain areas on behalf of the government may be asked to sign a document or a declaration that acknowledges they understand the Act and their ensuing responsibilities and obligations not to breach confidentiality or behave unethically. I also recall having to declare an oath and sign a code of conduct in one role - I believe God/affirmation was involved and possibly Queen and country!

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7422/CBP-7422.pdf

I would find it hard to believe that Andrew was completely unaware of his responsibilities in the Trade Envoy role, if only so he knew how to palm off his expenses; and ignorance is no defence for him anyway. There will at the very least be a minute taken of a verbal briefing to him at the commencement of his tenure, and a log of policies issued to him by the Civil Service (that he won’t have read - more fool him).

Sorry that was long; I’ve bored myself now …

nicepotoftea · 22/02/2026 13:59

TheAutumnCrow · 22/02/2026 13:53

Sadly for Mountbatten-Windsor, we are all bound by the Official Secrets Act, no-one ‘signs’ it. It just is the law.

People in certain sensitive government roles or those who are working in certain areas on behalf of the government may be asked to sign a document or a declaration that acknowledges they understand the Act and their ensuing responsibilities and obligations not to breach confidentiality or behave unethically. I also recall having to declare an oath and sign a code of conduct in one role - I believe God/affirmation was involved and possibly Queen and country!

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7422/CBP-7422.pdf

I would find it hard to believe that Andrew was completely unaware of his responsibilities in the Trade Envoy role, if only so he knew how to palm off his expenses; and ignorance is no defence for him anyway. There will at the very least be a minute taken of a verbal briefing to him at the commencement of his tenure, and a log of policies issued to him by the Civil Service (that he won’t have read - more fool him).

Sorry that was long; I’ve bored myself now …

Show quote history

If it is found that he didn't understand his duties, that just bats the problem back to the institution, particularly as he isn't the only Royal to have exploited his official position for personal gain.

RainbowBagels · 22/02/2026 14:05

There was talk that he could argue her wasn't in ' public office' but he was a working Royal. So surely that is a public office. They always tell us they are ' serving us' when it suits them. TLQ was also giving him £250k pocket money to do it, added to the extortionate expenses. I think if he uses that defence it goes back on the RF too. If they are not in a public office why are we paying them?

TheAutumnCrow · 22/02/2026 14:22

I think it’s obvious that role of Trade Envoy was an additional office, above and beyond M-W’s existing position as a working royal. This is why he and others, like Mandelson, needed to lobby for the appointment to be made.

Funnily enough, I think that Mandelson’s request for M-W’s appointment to the Trade Envoy position is proof itself that this was a separate role as a representative of the British government - and that this will scupper any defence that A-W comes up with that he was just larking about as a free spirit with royal immunity in blissful ignorance. It was clearly a formal appointment. And there will have been paperwork.

I believe that Tom Tugendhat has come to a similar conclusion and knows that AMW is without a credible defence, and that his wilful behaviour fits within the scope of treason.

TheAutumnCrow · 22/02/2026 14:26

Just to add - the terms of the Official Secrets Act follow you for life, not just while you’re in the role.

AMW’s contacts made during his Trade Envoy years did not suddenly become magically OK to deal with and leak sensitive information to after he stepped down in July 2011. Far from it.

RainbowBagels · 22/02/2026 14:27

and that this will scupper any defence that A-W comes up with that he was just larking about as a free spirit with royal immunity in blissful ignorance.
Yes I hope so. Especially as we were paying his astronomical expenses for private jets, golf clubs, swanky hotels and, it seems, prostitutes. And of course, he was asking for, and got, confidential government documents.

whereisitnow · 22/02/2026 14:45

Im now seeing a future in which the protection officers are charged with wrongdoing for following his orders, and he gets off scot free.

Chattanoogachoo · 22/02/2026 15:09

TheAutumnCrow · 22/02/2026 13:53

Sadly for Mountbatten-Windsor, we are all bound by the Official Secrets Act, no-one ‘signs’ it. It just is the law.

People in certain sensitive government roles or those who are working in certain areas on behalf of the government may be asked to sign a document or a declaration that acknowledges they understand the Act and their ensuing responsibilities and obligations not to breach confidentiality or behave unethically. I also recall having to declare an oath and sign a code of conduct in one role - I believe God/affirmation was involved and possibly Queen and country!

https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7422/CBP-7422.pdf

I would find it hard to believe that Andrew was completely unaware of his responsibilities in the Trade Envoy role, if only so he knew how to palm off his expenses; and ignorance is no defence for him anyway. There will at the very least be a minute taken of a verbal briefing to him at the commencement of his tenure, and a log of policies issued to him by the Civil Service (that he won’t have read - more fool him).

Sorry that was long; I’ve bored myself now …

Show quote history

It is probably his only defence although I agree with you that it's limited.I just can't imagine that he received an actual induction like any other worker.

AreYouSureAskedNaomi · 22/02/2026 15:47

Lalgarh · 22/02/2026 12:36

The Mails description of him "wailing" is the thing that stuck out here

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15581369/Andrew-wailed-son-marched-Royal-Lodge.html

66 year old man realises his mother can't protect him anymore, and his brother likely hates his guts

Since he was arrested i have often wondered about the whole episode. Who was chosen to carry out the arrest, what wording did they use, what was AMW's immediate reaction, had he known he was going to be arrested in the very near future or did it all come out of the blue for him?

notimagain · 22/02/2026 15:55

Chattanoogachoo · 22/02/2026 15:09

It is probably his only defence although I agree with you that it's limited.I just can't imagine that he received an actual induction like any other worker.

Show quote history

AMW will have probably first been introduced to OSA (now the NSA?) when he joined the military so..way back....

I'm much the same era and don't recall any formal induction but there were recurrent security briefings when serving.

On leaving the services I do recall being presented with a form and being told "sign this, it's a reminder, if you need one, that OSA continues to apply you"..