Palace Staffers Blow The Whistle On Andrew's Outrageous Behind-The-Scenes Behavior
Prince Andrew’s reputation has faced years of turbulence, but fresh claims from a former royal insider are adding new layers to the controversy. Paul Burrell — once Princess Diana’s butler and a former footman to Queen Elizabeth II — alleges in his new memoir The Royal Insider that he personally witnessed what he describes as entitled and disruptive behavior by the Duke of York during his years inside Buckingham Palace.
In interviews promoting the book, Burrell recounts what he portrays as a pattern of pompousness and disregard for palace staff. According to Burrell, Andrew and his then-wife Sarah Ferguson frequently hosted late-night private dinners in their rooms at Buckingham Palace, relying on the queen’s chefs and staff to prepare elaborate multi-course meals. Burrell claims staff were kept working until midnight, prompting unrest within palace ranks.
He further alleges that Queen Elizabeth II intervened after learning of the situation, reminding her son that the staff were hers to command and deserved respect. Burrell describes the episode as one of several moments when tensions between Andrew and palace personnel escalated.
Additional anecdotes in the memoir include claims that Andrew maintained strict expectations about how his belongings — including a collection of soft toys — were arranged by household staff, and that employees sometimes felt overburdened by the couple’s lifestyle.
Burrell’s assertions arrive amid reports from British media outlets that some palace staff have declined assignments involving Andrew at his new residence. According to unnamed sources cited in The Sun, staff members have been told they are not required to serve him if they feel uncomfortable. The reports describe what some characterize as unusual resistance within royal service ranks.
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on Burrell’s book, consistent with longstanding policy regarding memoirs and insider accounts. It is also understood that the palace does not speak on behalf of Andrew, who stepped back from official royal duties in 2019 following scrutiny over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew was later stripped of his remaining royal titles and military honors. Recent document releases connected to the Epstein case have renewed public attention, though inclusion in those materials does not, in itself, establish wrongdoing. Andrew has consistently denied any criminal misconduct.
Burrell’s reflections also revisit longstanding speculation about the late queen’s close relationship with her son, suggesting that Andrew benefited from her protection. He describes Queen Elizabeth as particularly devoted to Andrew, the third of her four children, and suggests that this dynamic shaped palace culture.
Since the queen’s death, King Charles III has assumed oversight of royal affairs, including matters involving his brother. Andrew has relocated from Royal Lodge and is reportedly preparing for a move to Marsh Farm, following a temporary stay at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.