Prince William Sees Disgraced Uncle Andrew as Troubled Soul, Author Says

Prince William views his disgraced uncle as "a very troubled soul," condemning his actions while quietly worrying about the mental health toll from the fallout, according to a new biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Robert Hardman, author of "Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story," writes that the Prince of Wales offered condolences to former Prince Andrew after King Charles III stripped his royal titles in October 2025. Andrew faced renewed scrutiny over ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein following Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir and newly unsealed documents.

"I think clearly there will be no coming back for Prince Andrew — ex-Prince Andrew — when William is king," Hardman told Fox News Digital. "But at the same time, I still think that [William] is conscious that here is someone who is a very troubled soul and that at least the family does have to keep an eye on him."

Some accounts portrayed William as the driving force behind Andrew losing his titles and honors, banishing him to a house on the Sandringham estate. One friend of Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson said Andrew was touched when William called to offer condolences the night they lost their titles.

Kensington Palace did not respond to Fox News Digital. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously said, "We don’t comment on such books."

Hardman described William as a thoughtful and serious man, particularly concerned about mental health, a key focus of his work. He led the Heads Together campaign to raise awareness and tackle stigma. After nearly eight years of military service, William has spoken about challenges facing armed forces members upon returning home.

"And I think he understood that his uncle Andrew may have behaved appallingly in many ways over many years," Hardman said. "But at the same time, he’s a member of the family. And here was someone who was being completely humiliated, publicly humiliated, degraded, disgraced, handed a punishment that no member of the family has had — to have all their titles taken away, to be effectively un-royal, de-royaled."

Andrew has held the title of prince since birth. The palace announced the measures were necessary despite his denials of the allegations. "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."

Stripping a British prince or princess of a royal title is almost unprecedented. The Associated Press reported it last occurred in 1919, when Prince Ernest Augustus lost his title for siding with Germany in World War I. Hardman said Andrew was viewed as "a traitor," making it very tough for him.

On Feb. 19, his birthday, police arrested the 66-year-old Andrew and held him for 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He faces accusations of sharing information with Epstein while serving as Britain’s trade envoy. He was released but remains under investigation.

"People are very interested to know what the relationship is between William and his uncle," Hardman said. "They’re not in regular contact. William is very conscious of the fact that one day he will be king, and Andrew is only in his 60s. He doesn’t drink, and he’s [lived] a pretty healthy life. So, it’s highly likely that Andrew will be around when William is king."

Hardman said William plans changes like cutting unnecessary rituals and etiquette but is not a radical like his father was at that age. He prioritizes family privacy, giving fewer interviews with less media access.

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that William will address "the Andrew problem" when he takes the throne. "Prince William has long had a strained and distant relationship with Andrew," she said, holding a grudge and wanting him out of public view to protect the monarchy.

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie told People magazine that William maintains a close relationship with Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, but favors a tough public approach. "William wants it all cleaned out before he gets [on the throne]," Lownie said. "He wants it dealt with now."