Former Royal Staffer Lifts Lid on Prince Andrew's Demeaning Treatment of Palace Employees
A former member of the royal household has revealed shocking details about Prince Andrew's behaviour behind palace doors, claiming the disgraced royal used a "grim" catchphrase specifically designed to humiliate staff members. According to insiders, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, once considered the late Queen's favourite son, was far from popular among those who served the royal family.
'Do It!' - The Demeaning Command That Became Andrew's Signature Phrase
Royal author Andrew Lownie, in his investigative book 'Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York', documents numerous accounts of Andrew's entitled attitude toward palace staff. One particularly revealing account comes from Colin Burgess, a former equerry to the Queen Mother, who described regular interactions with Andrew at Clarence House.
"I saw Andrew about once a month when he visited Clarence House," Burgess recalled. "He would talk to staff, including myself, exactly as an officer addresses his subordinates - with absolute authority and zero warmth." Burgess noted the stark contrast between Andrew's approach and that of other senior royals, explaining that both the Queen Mother and King Charles treated staff as "human beings" rather than mere servants.
The most telling detail emerged when Burgess described Andrew's habitual command: "I remember him always saying 'Do it!' which was his catchphrase of sorts." This brusque, demanding phrase became symbolic of Andrew's approach to royal staff, who were expected to serve without question or hesitation.
Bizarre Demands and Extreme Expectations from the Former Duke
Beyond the humiliating catchphrase, Andrew allegedly made numerous unreasonable demands that demonstrated his entitled attitude. According to Lownie's research, Andrew insisted that maids in his residence climb four flights of stairs each morning simply to open his curtains while he remained in bed beside them. This unnecessary task highlighted his expectation of servitude regardless of practicality or dignity for staff members.
Royal writer Tom Quinn contributed additional disturbing anecdotes, including claims that Andrew once banished a staff member because he "couldn't bear" to look at a mole on the employee's face. In another instance, Andrew allegedly arranged for the removal of a staff member who wore a nylon tie, deeming it inappropriate for royal service.
Even after King Charles stripped him of his royal titles and military affiliations, Andrew reportedly continued to demand royal treatment. Sources claim he insisted on full cooked breakfasts prepared by a personal chef and ordered weekly crates of champagne and fine wines, maintaining his luxurious lifestyle despite his diminished status.
The Stark Contrast with Other Royals and Andrew's Current Situation
Insiders emphasize how dramatically Andrew's behaviour differed from that of other senior royals. While the Queen Mother and King Charles were known for treating staff with respect and consideration, Andrew approached palace employees with what one source described as "the attitude that staff were there to serve and not to question his actions."
Former employees reported that Andrew would "scream and shout" if his often bizarre requests were not followed precisely, creating a tense and uncomfortable working environment. This pattern of behaviour has led royal experts and former staff to consistently describe Andrew as "entitled" in various reports over the years.
Andrew's current circumstances reflect his fall from grace. After being exiled from Royal Lodge, he now resides at the significantly smaller Marsh Farm with far fewer staff members available. Reports suggest King Charles offered his brother minimal support - a Sandringham cleaner, groundsman, and cook on an ad hoc basis - but even this limited offer "didn't go down well" with Andrew.
Looking forward, government sources have indicated that Andrew faces removal from the line of succession once police investigations against him conclude. This unprecedented step would require agreement from all fourteen realms where King Charles serves as head of state, followed by an act of parliament, marking a dramatic and permanent reduction in Andrew's royal status.
