Prince Andrew is facing a fresh scandal after a royal biographer claimed he had a network of aides, friends, and even police protection officers who helped him meet women. Author Andrew Lownie made the shocking allegations in his new book, entitled The Rise and Fall of the House of York, writing that the Duke of York frequently relied on those around him to “arrange girls” for him.
Lownie claimed Andrew’s preferences were no secret, saying one of the prince’s aides once told a diplomat, “He likes blondes,” to which the diplomat reportedly replied, “I’m a diplomat, not a pimp.” The book alleges that Andrew would often use his royal position to approach women, particularly dancers and entertainers.
“He would spy out an attractive ballerina at the Royal Ballet and then send his Personal Protection Officers to invite her to meet the prince,” Lownie wrote. “Other variations included sending aides to invite girls to his table at London nightclub Chinawhite or come to his hotel suite when abroad.”
The author also claims Andrew “exploited” his role as patron of the English National Ballet, attending shows not just for the performances but to meet dancers afterward. “He used his royal connections to his advantage,” Lownie wrote, suggesting the prince’s personal interests often crossed into his public duties.
These new revelations come just days after Prince Andrew gave up his remaining royal titles, following renewed attention over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, but said stepping back from his titles was necessary to avoid “distracting from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.”
Adding to the controversy, reports have emerged that Andrew allegedly used his taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards to gather information on his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year.
Emails obtained by the Daily Mail reportedly show Andrew sharing Giuffre’s personal details, including her date of birth, social security number, and criminal record in the US, asking that the information be used “for investigation” by a member of the Met’s elite SO14 Royal Protection Group.
The Met Police have since confirmed they are investigating the claims surrounding the alleged misuse of royal protection officers. Andrew’s fall from grace has been one of the most dramatic in royal history. Once celebrated as a war hero and active royal, the Duke of York has been stripped of military titles and royal duties, living largely out of the public eye at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Lownie’s latest book paints an unflattering picture of a man who, behind palace walls, used his position and privilege for personal gratification, relying on those around him to enable his behaviour. For now, the palace has declined to comment on the allegations, but the claims threaten to cast yet another shadow over an already damaged reputation.
