The downfall of Andrew Mounbatten Windsor, once a privileged son of the late Queen, to a disgraced former duke has highlighted the contrasting treatment received by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Buckingham Palace made a significant move in response to public outcry over allegations against Andrew and his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles initiated the formal process to strip Andrew of his royal titles, leading to his relocation from Royal Lodge to a residence on the Sandringham estate.
Despite Andrew’s earlier decision to relinquish his titles voluntarily, the King proceeded to officially revoke them. This development follows a delay of six years since Andrew’s withdrawal from royal duties for his royal patronages, military roles, and security to be rescinded, triggered by a civil lawsuit filed by his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.
In contrast to Andrew’s treatment, when Harry and Meghan opted to step back from their royal roles, they faced abrupt termination of their taxpayer-funded security. Following the release of Harry’s revelatory memoir, the couple was ousted from Frogmore Cottage, despite prepaying rent and reimbursing renovation costs from Sovereign Grant funds.
Royal expert Afua Acheampong-Hagan highlighted the unequal protection offered to Andrew compared to Harry and Meghan, emphasizing the disparity in support and treatment. Meghan candidly shared her struggles with the pressures of royal life and mental health challenges, underscoring the lack of support she received. In a revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan disclosed her battle with suicidal thoughts, while Harry pointed out the differential treatment between Andrew and themselves regarding security provision.