Prince William.Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Williamoffered no comment when asked about his unclePrince Andrew, who wasstripped of his royal patronages and military affiliationsamid asexual assault lawsuitagainst him.
“Sorry, I can’t hear you,“Prince Williamsaid as he leaned in closer.
“Do you support Prince Andrew?” the reporter repeated.
Prince Williamdid not reply and returned his attention to exiting the building as a woman thanked the couple for coming.
William is not the first royal to avoid questions regarding Prince Andrew. One day after it was announced that Andrew had lost his military affiliations and patronages,Prince Charlesstepped out in Aberdeenshire and wasasked about the scandal.
“Your Royal Highness, can I ask your view on your brother’s position, Prince Andrew?” the reporter said. “How do you view it?”
Prince Charles, 73, ignored the question and proceeded to shake hands and converse with another man.
The decision to strip Prince Andrew of his patronages and military titles was “widely discussed” within the senior ranks of the royal family, a royal source confirms to PEOPLE — likely meaning talks betweenQueen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Prince William.
Prince Andrew.Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images
After a judge rejected Prince Andrew’s attempt to have asexual assault lawsuit against him thrown out, Buckingham Palace released a statement on Thursday regarding Andrew’s royal status.
“With The Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen,” the palace announced. “The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
Prince Andrew, 61, will likely retain his title as the Duke of York and keep his place in the line of succession to the throne, which is currently ninth behindPrince HarryandMeghan Markle’s two children. However, he will no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity.
Prince Andrew’s attorneys argued last week to dismissVirginia Roberts Giuffre’s sexual assault lawsuit after it was revealed that convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epsteinreached a $500,000 settlement with Giuffre, in which she agreed not to sue any other “potential defendant.”
source: people.com
