Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Rebecca Russell & Hannah Mackenzie Wood

Queen continues to support 'favourite son' Prince Andrew because of his 'absolute loyalty'

Despite shamed Prince Andrew's widely publicised involvement in the Jeffery Epstein sex scandal, there are constant reports that he is desperately trying to reestablish himself within royal life.

Many have also questioned the Queen's seemingly unwavering of her support for her son, with the monarch apparently unfazed by the Duke of York's legal troubles relating to sexual assault allegations made against him.

It is common knowledge that Andrew is considered to be Her Majesty's favourite child - and still holds the title despite his recent fall from grace.

In a recent episode of The Mirror's royal podcast, Pod Save the Queen, famed biographer Andrew Morton explained their close relationship while promoting his 25th book: The Queen.

The show's host, Zoe Forsey, spoke to the author and asked about Her Majesty's staunch support for her second son - and why he thinks Andrew will never lose his mother's confidence.

Prince Andrew shocked everyone back in March when he was chosen to escort his mother into Westminster Abbey to attend the Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the late Duke of Edinburgh's life and legacy.

It is widely believed that Prince Andrew is Her Majesty's favourite child. (PA)

While Her Majesty came under fire for allowing her second son to play such a pivotal role in the ceremony, she has since refused him the right to stand on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour and not let him attend the Order of the Garter procession.

Following reports that Andrew is eager to have his royal title reinstated and return his life to normal, many people are asking why the monarch is continuing to stand by her son.

Royal author Andrew Morton told Pod Save the Queen: "Prince Andrew has always been absolutely loyal to his mother. He will never hear a word said against her, he has always been intensely loyal.

The Queen admired her son's courage during the Falklands War. (Getty Images)

"And she has admired the fact that during the Falklands War in 1982, he was an Exocet decoy which means his job was to protect HMS Invincible (the aircraft carrier) as the Argentines wanted to sink that.

"He was essentially a sitting duck and there as a sacrifice - but as a helicopter pilot, he played a huge role in making sure missiles exploded harmlessly by following a plan.

"That took a lot of guts to do and she very much appreciated that because that conflict cost a lot in blood and treasure for Great Britain. The Argentines had it in their sights that Andrew was their main target so he showed a lot of courage during that period.

Andrew Morton explained that one of The Queen's main reasons for supporting her son is because of his bravery during the Falklands War. (Mirror)

"She liked the fact, as well, that he organised the retrieval of works of art during the famous fire at Windsor Castle in 1992.

"That was him showing initiative but also loyalty to The Queen. She doesn't forget those things and he has been a very loyal son to her.

"The memorial service was a family occasion and not a state occasion so it really was up to her who she had leading her to her seat. So that is a long-winded way of saying she is a mum and in her eyes, her children can do no wrong."

Earlier this year it was announced that The Queen had moved to strip her second son of his military titles - this included his role as the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.

The statement at the time read: "With the Queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York's military affiliations and Royal Patronages have been returned to The Queen.

However, it would appear that Her Majesty has no plans to remove her son's official Duke of York title as sources previously told The Mirror that she “believes the matter to be settled”.

In April, it was announced that the City of York had decided to remove Prince Andrew's honorary ‘Freedom of the City of York’ position which was granted to him following his return from the Falklands War.

Councillors in York voted overwhelmingly to cut their ties with Andrew and “erase his stain of an association with the city”.

York city representatives went on to announce further calls for Her Majesty to step in and order Andrew to stop using his princely style which was bestowed on him when he was born in 1960.

This is slightly more challenging, however, as The Queen cannot act alone in removing peerage titles. Any attempt to remove Andrew's official title would have to be fronted by Parliament, with a statute passed by both the House of Commons and the Lords.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

READ NEXT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.