When the Queen infamously described 1992 as her “annus horribilis”, thanks in part to her second son Prince Andrew’s divorce from his wife Sarah Ferguson, she had no idea he would send her family into far more serious turmoil 27 years later.
Now, in absolute disgrace, thanks to his long-time association with dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew, 59, has announced he is “stepping down indefinitely” from his royal role, which he says comes after a conversation with Her Majesty – and an edict from her heir Prince Charles, from his tour in New Zealand, claim British newspapers.
Such a dramatic departure from royal duties has not been seen since Edward VIII’s abdication in 1936, but most would agree despite a history steeped in scandal, never has the monarchy been in more of a state of disgrace. Thankfully for Queen Elizabeth, 93, there is one saving grace – her grandson Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Now Woman’s Day understands the Queen is ready to step down from the throne, along with her son Prince Charles, 71, to make room for Wills and Kate, both 37, who she hopes will save her family’s desperately flailing image.
The Queen is looking to her grandson and his wife to save the family.
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“She was reading the newspapers and she was well aware of how things were panning out,” one royal insider told the Daily Mail late last week. “The Queen and Charles spoke and a decision was made: it was time for Andrew to bow out gracefully.
“Both the Queen and the Prince of Wales are focused on the ongoing and future health of the monarchy and anything that will impact on it is something they are going to act decisively to protect.”
“Both the Queen and the Prince of Wales are focused on the ongoing and future health of the monarchy.”
(Credit: Getty)“A double abdication is unprecedented, but these are desperate times given the whole of Britain is disgusted with the royals at the moment,” our insider adds, insisting that William, too, agreed that Andrew needed to be put in his place.
WATCH: Prince Andrew denies having sex with one of Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, Virgina Giuffre. Story continues below…
Andrew has stepped down “indefinitely” as his family suffers from the fallout of his interview last week.
(Credit: Getty)“While Andrew was making a fool of himself on television, Kate and William were off visiting sick children, glamming up for charity events and raising their babies – and looking good doing it,” says a source. “That’s what Brits want to see from their royals. A little bit of empathy and respect goes a long way.”
