New revelations have surfaced regarding the past of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Royal historian Andrew Lownie shared these details on the "Deep Dive" podcast on Wednesday, October 29. Lownie claimed that in 2001, at age 41, Andrew was experiencing a "full-blown midlife crisis" and "started chasing a lot of women."
Andrew allegedly used his taxpayer-funded trade envoy position as an excuse for travel. He would always reserve two weeks of "private time" during these trips. Lownie stated, "So, we pay for his vacation and then he goes and does things."
According to Lownie, Andrew, now 65, traveled to Thailand for the birthday celebration of the then-King Rama IX. Lownie’s unauthorized biography of Andrew was published earlier this year. He alleged Andrew insisted on a five-star hotel stay over the embassy.
It is claimed Andrew arranged for "40 prostitutes to be brought in over the course of four days." Diplomats and others reportedly facilitated these activities. Lownie said these claims were corroborated by multiple sources. He also asserted Andrew sent lists of people he wished to meet for his personal business interests.
Lownie further claimed that members of the royal family were aware of Andrew’s actions. They "allowed" his behavior without consequence. He stated they "just made a blind eye" and "just had a soft spot for their son." Lownie’s book, Entitled, also alleged Andrew cheated on Sarah Ferguson early in their marriage.
These claims have been reported by several outlets, including LBC, Metro, and the Daily Mail. Us Weekly has sought comment on these accusations.
These new revelations coincide with King Charles III’s recent actions against his younger brother. On Thursday, October 30, Us confirmed King Charles, 76, formally began removing Andrew’s royal titles and "His Royal Highness" treatment. This decision comes amidst Andrew’s ongoing scandal and his connections to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Accusations of sexual assault against Andrew have resurfaced with the recent posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre’s book. Giuffre claimed she was introduced to Andrew by an Epstein associate. Andrew initially denied Giuffre’s allegations after her 2019 lawsuit. He later reached an out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed amount.
Andrew had previously stated he would cease using his noble titles upon the book’s publication. In a statement shared with Us earlier this month, Andrew said, "The continuing allegations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family." He affirmed his decision to "step back from public life" five years ago. He stated, "I will therefore cease to use my title and the honors granted to me." Andrew concluded his statement by reiterating, "As I have said before, I categorically deny the allegations against me."
Beyond the titles, King Charles also issued a "formal notice" for Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge. He must move to an alternative private residence. Buckingham Palace released a statement regarding these censures. It noted they are "deemed necessary, despite his continued denial of the allegations against him." The Palace added, "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and greatest sympathy have been, and will continue to be, with the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."