Biographer Unearths the Inside Story of Prince Andrew's Royal Disgrace
Andrew Lownie, the author behind what the Daily Mail dubbed "the most devastating royal biography ever written," spent years investigating the greed and excesses of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson for his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York. In a revealing interview, Lownie details the significant barriers he faced in uncovering the truth about the royal couple's scandalous lives.
A Monument to Investigation and Obstruction
Lownie's office, located near parliament, is filled with stacks of books about Andrew and Sarah, including works by Ferguson herself and tell-all accounts from confidants. He also holds numerous rejected freedom of information requests from entities like UK Trade and Investment and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. "They sometimes took so long to respond that they haven't even downloaded the request before it expires," Lownie notes, expressing frustration at the lack of transparency.
Out of 3,000 people approached from throughout Mountbatten-Windsor's life, only a tenth agreed to speak. Lownie remains indignant, stating, "I, perhaps naively, expect standards in public life." His book, published after four years of research, paints a cradle-to-police-station picture of a royal whose behavior, including associations with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reflects a life of entitlement and exploitation.
Allegations and Legal Battles
Before her death by suicide, Virginia Giuffre alleged she was trafficked by Epstein to Mountbatten-Windsor and raped by him three times as a minor. The Metropolitan police declined to launch a formal investigation into these claims, which Andrew has denied. In 2021, Giuffre filed a civil case against him, settled out of court in 2022 with no admission of liability. The settlement amount remains undisclosed, though it is known that Queen Elizabeth contributed £2 million to Giuffre's chosen charity. King Charles's office denies he contributed to Giuffre's personal settlement, estimated between £7 million and £12 million.
Patterns of Misconduct and Warnings Ignored
Lownie highlights numerous alarm signals throughout Andrew's career. During his role as special representative for international trade and investment, ambassadors reported him as rude and bored at official engagements. Staff often requested attractive women for events, with one consul retorting, "I'm a diplomat, not a pimp." Expenses included questionable items like massages, with Lownie remarking, "We've been paying for happy endings for Andrew for years."
In 2006, while representing the monarchy in Bangkok, Andrew was said to have had over ten girls a day visiting his hotel room. A royal protection officer at Buckingham Palace also raised concerns about prostitutes being brought in, though this witness was later convicted of fraud. Lownie asserts, "That doesn't invalidate what he says."
Financial Mysteries and Extravagance
The couple's lavish spending is meticulously documented: £150,000 on flowers, personal trainers rarely used, and a preference for helicopters over cars. Ferguson demanded lavish meals nightly, even when dining alone with her children. Despite frequent claims of bankruptcy, their spending never waned. Lownie writes, "It remains a mystery how Andrew has been able to enjoy such an extravagant lifestyle without any obvious sources of income."
A £750,000 payment to Andrew from a client of former banker Selman Turk, allegedly for passport assistance, adds to the financial intrigue. Andrew repaid the sum months later, but its purpose remains unclear.
National Security Concerns and Epstein Connections
Lownie suggests Epstein was a Soviet asset, with connections to Russian intelligence through figures like Robert Maxwell. Andrew's relationship with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell dates back to 1985, raising national security issues. "There's a huge national security scandal here of penetration," Lownie warns, noting that foreign entities exploited the royal family's greed and lack of scrutiny.
Since his book's publication, Lownie has received a flood of new information, including 760 emails on the day of Andrew's arrest. He also met with Epstein's brother, Mark, who disputes the suicide verdict, citing irregularities in the prison's handling of the case.
Palace Damage Control and Future Implications
The palace appears focused on limiting damage by emphasizing the sexual aspects of the scandal while avoiding national security discussions. Lownie believes, "The plan at the moment is to throw Andrew to the wolves." His biography continues to update with new revelations, shedding light on a story that challenges the monarchy's image of restraint and duty.
