New reports have shed light on allegations of bullying and humiliating behaviour by Prince Andrew towards his staff, painting a picture of an entitled and demanding employer. According to author Andrew Lownie, the Duke of York treated employees as subordinates to serve without question, often screaming and shouting if his requests were not met.
Former equerry Colin Burgess recalled that Andrew would bark orders like 'Do it!' and expected immediate compliance, contrasting sharply with the respectful treatment staff received from the Queen Mother and King Charles. Staff also alleged that Andrew insisted maids climb four flights of stairs to open his curtains while he remained in bed, and that soiled tissues were left scattered around his bed for collection.
Andrew's obsession with his teddy bear collection was another source of tension. Former staff member Charlotte Briggs said he had 72 bears that had to be lined up in size order and arranged precisely on his bed, with a day's training required for the task. A laminated guide titled 'DOY bed: Points for turn down & making the bed' was kept nearby, and Andrew would scream if the bears were misplaced.
Other incidents include banishing a staffer because he disliked a mole on the man's face, and removing another employee for wearing a nylon tie. Royal expert Tom Quinn described Andrew as 'bossy' and acting like a 'classic school bully'. As Andrew prepares to move to the smaller Marsh Farm estate, reports suggest he has been insisting staff still use his HRH title, despite his diminished royal status.
