The father-of-three, 37, is among a group of senior royals involved in discussions surrounding the future role – if any – Prince Andrew will play in the firm following his car crash interview with Emily Maitlis regarding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.nPalace sources told People magazine the Queen addressed the situation with her son and heir Prince Charles, 71, before Andrew, 59, announced he was “stepping back” from his royal duties. The source said: “Senior members of the family were involved — the Prince of Wales and other members of the family as the Queen consulted and kept them informed.”
It is not surprising William has taken on such a role in the aftermath of the interview.
Not only he second in line to the throne after his father Charles, but he has been carrying out royal duties for his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, 93, for several years as she continues to step away from her own responsibilities.
It comes after William, who is married to the Duchess of Cambridge, is thought to have admitted he is “not a fan” of his uncle.
Prince William has spoken about his unhappiness toward his uncle, a royal source has revealed.
The Duke of Cambridge is said to have been instrumental in the call that Prince Andrew was removed from public life, something that was “the right thing to do,” a source told The Sunday Times.
It comes as pressure mounts on Prince Andrew over his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
A source said: “William is becoming more and more involved in decisions about the institution and he’s not a huge fan of his uncle Andrew.”
Prince Andrew released an official statement announcing his withdrawal from royal duty last Wednesday.
The statement read: “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work and the valuable work going on in the many organisations and charities that I am proud to support.
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He told The Guardian: “Prince Andrew has been de-royaled, if there is such a word.
“At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I really would compare it to 1936 and the abdication of Edward VIII.
“What we are talking about is effectively the removal of a member of the Royal Family as a result of public opinion.”
This week also saw the Queen officially scrap Andrew’s 60th birthday party celebrations.
The Queen has scaled back plans for her second eldest son and will now host a small family event to mark the occasion on February 19, the Sunday Times reports.
For Prince Charles’ 60th birthday the Queen hosted a dinner and concert at Buckingham Palace.
In 2008, more than 400 guests were invited to the Palace including European royals, celebrities and members of the Prince of Wales’ charities.
Prince Andrew has continuously denied the claims made against him.
