The press has been following two main royal stories — Prince William’s upcoming wedding to Kate Middleton, and Prince Andrew’s controversial friendships as UK trade envoy.
Naturally, the Palace wants the world to focus on the happy event and the promise of a shining young couple. It’s an opportunity to bring positive PR to a family long been plagued with scandals and divorces. Ironically, just over a month before William & Kate’s wedding, Prince Andrew is in hot water. And the press is digging deep to find more dirt on his suitability as UK’s trade envoy.
The Duke of York has met with the Queen, and apparently has been warned that he’s one scandal away from losing his trade job. His official visit to Saudi Arabia has been canceled amidst security fears. The Palace says its due to local unrest and has nothing to do with the recent allegations against Andrew.
Prince William’s team is also said to be furious that Prince Andrew’s controversy is threatening to overshadow preparations for the Royal Wedding. Not wanting the “Kate & William brand” to be contaminated by the Duke, they are keen to make sure that the couple be kept away from Andrew until April 29. Of course, Prince Andrew is expected to attend the wedding.
Meanwhile, the situation is getting worse for Andrew as the press digs up years of dirt to fuel the controversy..
- He is accused by News of the World of lying about knowing a woman who set up Fergie’s cash-for-access deal.
- Another shady businessman friend – David Rowland – was revealed to have secretly helped ex-wife Sarah Ferguson clear her debts (read article here).
- He may have used tax avoidance scheme to avoid paying £6 million tax bill after selling his home (read article here)
All these new allegations go beyond unfortunate friendships for the Duke — they show conflict of interest in his current job.
Meet the team behind Princess Catherine
Unlike the late Princess Diana, Kate Middleton is getting a lot of help in her transition to royalty. From family (sister Pippa and mum Carole) to political experts (Sir David Manning), from fashion gurus to party planners, the future princess has a team behind her making.
Article: The Express
Other William & Kate News:
- News of the World: Spotted – William & Kate lunch with Pippa at Mosimann’s restaurant for more wedding planning (Dad Mike & Pippa also had lunch at Clarence House 1-2 days before)
- Daily Mail: Pippa arranges hen night for Kate; books 4 venues
- Daily Mail: Kate Middleton loves Haribo Starmix & Tangfastics sweets
- Mirror: Friend Sam Waley-Cohen opens up about getting William & Kate back together
- Telegraph: Kate’s transparent dress that caught William’s eye sparks global interest at auction
- Telegraph: Prince William to bang the drum for business in Australia
Some interesting reads: Where there’s a Will, there’s a better way: opinion on why William is better than Charles… The rise of the middle-class monarchies: read about other princesses that come from ordinary backgrounds.
Related Posts:
- Trooping the Colour 2011
- Media Spotlight on the Middletons, Fergie
- Kate Middleton’s Royal Transition
- WikiLeaks: Prince Andrew made “Inappropriate Remarks”
- Prince Andrew at 50





#1 by Sam on March 13, 2011 - 8:07 pm
Quote
I don’t believe that William would intentionally distance himself from his uncle in his time of need. It’s probably his advisers that told him to stay away publicly but is probably offering support privately. William doesn’t seem like the type to care about brands!
#2 by britishroyals on March 14, 2011 - 12:02 pm
Quote
@Sam: I think so, too. Likely there are staff factions in different households that compete with each other. There’s more political friction between the grey men than there are between the royals themselves.
#3 by Alexandr on March 16, 2011 - 6:05 pm
Quote
I the monarchist with the big experience. I know all weak and strengths of monarchic idea. The monarchy if it is not capable to protect herself, is weakness. We should create Monarchist party, or monarchic movement. We should be incorporated!
Pingback: Pippa Dominates Media as William & Kate Settle Into Married Life