Latest news with #PrinceAndrewSchool
NZ Herald
05-08-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Prince no more? How William could strip Andrew of his title
Prince Andrew was embroiled in a Chinese spy scandal. His hopes of eventual redemption in the court of public opinion were extinguished with the suicide of Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of forcing her into sex and whose family spoke of a 'toll of abuse … so heavy that it became unbearable for Virginia to handle'. The fall from grace even reached the tiny island of Saint Helena, in the South Atlantic, where the 'Prince Andrew School' changed its name earlier this year, with the quiet agreement of Buckingham Palace. His living arrangements in Windsor, after his brother the King lost patience and removed his indefinite funding, remain a battle with such little progress that it has become known as the 'siege of Royal Lodge'. Hopes that the King and his senior courtiers would make progress on the 'Prince Andrew question' during his early reign have not come to pass, with priorities shifting rapidly after the King was diagnosed with cancer. 'Something,' says one source, 'still needs to be done.' Attempts 'for the King and his brother to resolve things' have not gone far enough, in the view of many Palace insiders. But, others acknowledge, there is only so much the King can sensibly do. Prince Andrew has his own, longstanding lease agreement with the Crown Estate for his home, and as long as he can maintain it – at an estimated cost of millions of pounds – he cannot be evicted. He has finally bowed out of all but a few remaining public appearances, keeping largely out of the way during Garter Day this year. The status quo falls into a pattern set by the late Queen Elizabeth II, in which Prince Andrew is permitted to attend 'family occasions' only. In recent years that has meant he and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, joining the family for the Sandringham Christmas walk and at St George's Chapel for Easter Sunday. '[Andrew] can't be banned from Church,' says one Palace source, regretfully. Almost all in Palace circles now admit that it cannot continue indefinitely. Recent YouGov polling has put him at 9% popularity, well below that of the beleaguered Duke and Duchess of Sussex. A new biography, Entitled, which author Andrew Lownie says is based on four years of forensic research and hundreds of interviews with insiders, has been splashed on the front pages of the Daily Mail over the course of five days, and spells out why the duke is so unpopular, in an excruciating retelling of his public and private life. There are the financial dealings: 'It remains a mystery how Prince Andrew has been able to enjoy such an extravagant lifestyle,' notes Lownie, who goes on to write of a series of millionaire friends ('he took a four-day holiday in Tunisia paid for by Tarek Kaituni, a convicted Libyan gun-smuggler'), his years as a British trade envoy ('on an official Kremlin Museums tour, he was angling to be given a Fabergé egg') and Palace denials ('to suggest the duke has personally benefited from his public work in Kazakhstan is utterly untrue'). Stories about his sex life – the most serious of which have never been proven – are laid out in eye-popping detail. One extract opens with the words of the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – 'He's the only person I have met who is more obsessed with p***y than me' – continuing with Prince Andrew's alleged predilection for jokes about anal sex and many women, from the model nicknamed the 'Croatian sensation' to the unnamed 'worst bunch of tarts' he was 'forever dragging' up to dine with his mother (according to a member of Palace staff). 'He is easily the most boorish man I have ever met,' says one of Lownie's sources. As is so often the case, it is the smaller stories that conjure the big picture: the women whom he asked to smell the pâté at lunch before pushing her face in it as a joke; the fellow golfer who told Prince Andrew 'good shot', to hear the unmagnanimous reply: 'That's good shot, sir, for you.' One member of staff was allegedly moved to other duties because the prince 'disliked a mole on the man's face' while another's offence was said to have been 'wearing a nylon tie'. In a meeting with Boris Johnson, then the Mayor of London, he asked for fewer red traffic lights. 'I'm the last person to be a republican,' Johnson is quoted as saying, 'but, f***, if I ever have to spend another lunch like that, I soon will be.' Buckingham Palace no longer represents the Duke of York, whose own remaining team have not commented on the book. But several sources have pointed out that much of it is taken from old news stories and documentaries. One new story, that the Dukes of York and Sussex had a physical fight in 2013 and that – separately – Prince Andrew commented that Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle would not last, has been denied by Prince Harry's team, in a carefully worded statement. Perhaps the most ominous line to focus Palace minds comes from a former Buckingham Palace staff member, who says of the trade envoy position: 'There are dozens, if not hundreds, more unwise connections to uncover from Andrew's years in the role.' Realistically, some in Palace circles concede, the 'Prince Andrew question' will now fall to a future King William to solve once and for all. Christopher Wilson, a royal historian and biographer, believes that under Prince William the policy of Elizabeth II – that the royal family must never criticise each other – will come to an end. He says: 'I think to a large extent Charles has adhered to that as a safe policy – the moment you start tearing the family apart, where does it stop?' Wilson continues: 'With William it will be a different approach – he has hard-nosed ideas about how the royal family needs to appear in the frenzied social media world we now inhabit, and I think will be ruthless.' Prince William, those around him attest, understands the reputational threat his uncle poses to the monarchy in a new generation and will not shy away from taking action if it needs to fall to him. Kensington Palace declined to comment. But the Wales family was conspicuously absent from Easter Sunday at Windsor, where Prince Andrew held court outside St George's Chapel. If Prince Andrew was warmly invited to family events by Queen Elizabeth II, and patiently so under King Charles, he may find there are fewer – if any – moments where he is on camera in the future. The mechanisms open to a future King William to go further are more extensive than is generally reported. He has the option to decline to invite his uncle to his future coronation. It would be headline news, but there is a precedent: the Duke of Windsor was excluded from both George VI and Elizabeth II's in the rather different circumstances of living in exile after abdication. A king can, in certain circumstances, remove the Order of the Garter, which is in the monarch's personal gift. Parliament has greater powers – it can remove the dukedom via legislation. A private members' bill to 'give the Monarch powers to remove titles', mooted in 2022 after the people of York argued they did not want to be associated with the duke, fell flat. But a government bill to do the same job would doubtless fare much better. Should another attempt, with the heft of the government behind it, be more successful, Prince Andrew's name could eventually be struck off the Roll of the Peerage where it is currently listed under 'York'. In any case, the disgrace now associated with Prince Andrew makes it all but certain that his Dukedom will fall into abeyance when he dies. Upon his death, the title the Duke of York will revert to the Crown. It would customarily be bestowed on the monarch's second son, where the time is right. But a grown-up Prince Louis is far more likely to become Duke of Edinburgh. In agreement with the Palace, Prince Andrew has already stopped using the style of His Royal Highness. But that can be removed via Letters Patent – an ornate but relatively straightforward document issued on the advice of ministers and signed by the King. One such Letters Patent, issued by George V in 1917, decreed that 'the children of any Sovereign of the United Kingdom and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales' shall be called Prince or Princess, with the HRH style. Thus Prince Andrew, the son of a monarch when he was born, is a Prince. But, should it be considered necessary, a new Letters Patent could change that, too. But, says a source, such a 'big deal' would best happen through legislation. 'If there was a serious move to take [a title] away, particularly at that level, you do it through both houses [of Parliament],' they added. None of this, one source emphasises, can be done at the whim of a king; the government is required to take action. But whether it is King Charles acting out of necessity in the near future or his son deciding to lance the boil in years to come, the combined brains of Buckingham Palace and Downing St could find a way. 'Is it likely at this point?' one source says. 'No. But is it possible? Yes.' One way for this to come to a head now, suggests Wilson, would be if MPs raise questions about Prince Andrew's time as a trade ambassador, in the context of examining potential misuse of public funds. Any serious findings would mean 'Charles could act in the best interests of preserving the monarchy'. 'The royal family is in a fragile state,' he adds. 'Arguably in worse shape than during the Abdication when at least the problem got solved fast. 'Here we have seen a terrible shredding process going on, which downgrades our principal institution and sooner or later will render it an international laughing-stock unless something is done, quickly.' For a Rroyal family on their summer holidays, renewed headlines about the Duke of York could not be less welcome. The conversations over the Balmoral breakfast table could get interesting.
The Independent
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Royal news live: King and Queen to host Stanley Tucci ahead of Italy state visit as Prince Andrew faces further blow
The King and Queen are set to host Hollywood star Stanley Tucci for a black tie dinner to celebrate Italian cuisine at Highgrove on Friday evening. Charles and Camilla invited the renowned foodie and the Italian ambassador to the UK to enjoy a feast of sustainable food, ahead of their trip to Italy and the Vatican in April. The major spring tour, which has long been trailed in the media, coincides with Charles and Camilla's 20th wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, the Duke of York has faced another embarrassment, as a school named after him decided to rebrand to something less 'controversial'. Prince Andrew School – the only secondary school on the remote British overseas territory of St Helena – is asking its students to suggest something more 'neutral'. The decision stems from 'recent public controversy' and 'negative media coverage', a statement from the government of St Helena said. Who is Lord Ivar Mountbatten? King Charles' cousin starring in the Traitors US 'If there's anyone who can keep a secret, it's a royal.' That is the assumption Lord Ivar Mountbatten was met with after he arrived at a grand Scottish castle to play a game of lies and deception with a star-studded line up. The King's second cousin, 61, has joined the cast of The Traitors US, in which a group of chaotically comprised celebrities gathered to play the game which has taken UK viewers by storm. A direct descendent of Queen Victoria, fans can watch the British aristocrat try to beat the likes of real housewives, Selling Sunset stars and Zac Efron's brother to win his share of the $250,000 (£200,000) prize pot. Read the full story here: Who is Lord Ivar Mountbatten? King Charles' cousin starring in the Traitors US The British aristocrat is battling to win his share of the $250,000 prize pot. Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 13:58 Watch: Prince Andrew sought £2.5bn with help from alleged spy Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 13:03 Team UK departs for Canada ahead of Invictus Games kick-off British veterans and serving personnel who were injured during service have departed for Canada ahead of the 2025 Invictus Games. The seventh edition of the games, established by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, will begin in Vancouver on February 8. The 62 competitors – all veterans and serving personnel who sustained life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving in the UK Armed Forces – left the country from Birmingham Airport on Thursday. Team UK's captain Steve 'Hoops' Hooper, an RAF veteran diagnosed with PTSD from his experiences in Iraq before being medically discharged in 2021, said: 'The pride the whole team feels representing their country is huge, this means so much to them.' Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 12:22 Full story: Prince Andrew School changes name to drop 'controversial ties' A secondary school named after Prince Andrew is changing its name after the King's disgraced brother was mired in a string of scandals. Prince Andrew School, the only secondary school on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the south Atlantic Ocean, says it is dropping its title to be free from 'controversial ties'. The island's government said the school believed the change was a crucial step in ensuring its name embodied the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community. 'The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations,' it said. Read the full story here: Prince Andrew School changes its name to drop ties with disgraced Duke Prince Andrew School, the only secondary school on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the south Atlantic Ocean, says it is dropping its title to be free from 'contentious associations' Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 11:45 Queen Elizabeth II's personal Land Rover fleet hits the road for US showcase Britain's longest-serving monarch, the late Queen Elizabeth II, will be honoured by Land Rover for her love of the iconic British motorcar in an exclusive exhibition across the pond. Americans on the East Coast can catch a glimpse of a number of historic vehicles from the late Queen's personal fleet and that of the British royal household. After a successful 2024 tour across the US, one more stop has been marked on the map with royal fans able to check out a specialised collection of Elizabeth II's own cars at ModaMiami in Florida in March. The exhibition will showcase a specialised collection of five Series, Defender, and Range Rover models used by the late Queen during her 70-year reign. The display will feature vehicles used by the Royal family, either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 10:58 Edward tells new Gurkhas they are 'soldiers in British army but sons of Nepal' The Duke of Edinburgh told new Gurkha recruits to be proud of being a 'soldier in the British army but a son of Nepal' as he attended their attestation ceremony. Edward and his wife Sophie met the two per cent of young Nepalis who passed the gruelling and highly competitive selection process to become part of the elite Brigade of Gurkhas. The duke and duchess looked on as the 274 recruits – selected from more than 13,000 applicants – took the oath of allegiance, saluting a portrait of the King and touching the Union flag. In a speech at the Gurkha base in Pokhara, Edward said: 'Thank you for choosing to serve in the Brigade of Gurkhas in the British Army, and thank you for swearing allegiance to His Majesty today. 'You are joining a regimental family with strong traditions and a reputation for loyalty, service and courage. 'Gurkhas have served the crown for over 209 years. This now becomes your heritage and your responsibility to uphold.' Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 10:05 Who is Stanley Tucci? The King and Queen have invited Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci for dinner at Highgrove this evening. The Italian-American actor and author is best known for his roles in the hit films Devil Wears Prada, Lovely Bones, The Hunger Games and Conclave. He has earned numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Tony Award. Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 09:18 King and Queen celebrate Italian cuisine at Highgrove dinner with Stanley Tucci The King and Queen will join Hollywood star Stanley Tucci for a black tie dinner to celebrate Italian cuisine at Highgrove on Friday evening. The pair have invited the Italian-American Devil Wears Prada actor and well-known foodie and the Italian ambassador to the UK, Inigo Lambertini, to Charles's Gloucestershire estate to enjoy a feast of sustainable Slow Food. The menu has been created by renowned Italian chef Francesco Mazzei and inspired by Tucci, who fronted the TV series Tucci – The Heart Of Italy. Created using entirely British ingredients blended with Italian culinary traditions and local flavours, the dishes aim to embody the principles of Slow Food. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the King and Queen are to pay state visits to Italy and the Vatican. Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 08:47 Pictured: Royals on official engagements on Thursday Athena Stavrou7 February 2025 07:00 Meghan thanks Billie Eilish for heartfelt gift to LA wildfire victim
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Prince Andrew School changes its name to free itself from ‘controversial ties'
A secondary school named after Prince Andrew is changing its name after the King's disgraced brother was mired in a string of scandals. Prince Andrew School, the only secondary school on St Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the south Atlantic Ocean, says it is dropping its title to be free from 'controversial ties'. The island's government said the school believed the change was a crucial step in ensuring its name embodied the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community. 'The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations,' it said. Furore erupted in 2019 over the Duke of York 's friendship with convicted US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and a famous photo of Andrew with his arm around the waist of 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre. Andrew even continued to visit Epstein in New York after the financier's conviction for child sex offences in 2008. He stepped down from his public role and later paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Ms Giuffre, whom he told the BBC in 2019 he had not memory of meeting. The Duke, 64, hit the headlines once again last year after a High Court hearing revealed that alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a close confidant. Buckingham Palace approved the school's rebrand, according to the government of St Helena, which said it followed 'recent public controversy' and "negative media coverage". 'This renaming also provides an opportunity to select a name that aligns with the school's shared principles and aspirations for students and St Helena.' Head teacher Phil Toal said: 'While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. 'Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.' Pupils will be allowed to suggest new names, which will go to a vote by the whole school. The winning name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval. The King is widely reported to have cut financial ties to the Duke after he refused to move out of his home, Royal Lodge, a 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the school's decision.
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
School named after Duke of York to rebrand
A school named after the Duke of York is set to be rebranded to something less 'controversial'. Prince Andrew School – the only secondary school on the remote British overseas territory of St Helena – is asking its students to suggest something more 'neutral'. The decision stems from 'recent public controversy' and 'negative media coverage', and has been approved by Buckingham Palace, a statement from the government of St Helena said. The tiny island sits in the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,165 miles west of mainland Africa, and has a population of around 4,000. The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations Government of St Helena It is known for being the site of Napoleon Bonaparte's second period of exile after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Head teacher Phil Toal said: 'While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. 'Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.' Andrew's namesake, which opened in 1989, is surrounded by woodland and boasts majestic views across James Bay, according to its website. The new name is expected to be chosen by the end of February, and will be launched at the start of the next academic year in September. 'The school believes this change is a crucial step in ensuring its name embodies the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community,' the statement said. 'The decision to rename the school stems from several factors, including recent public controversy and negative media coverage. 'The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations.' Furore erupted in 2019 over Andrew's friendship with convicted US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He stepped away from his public role and later paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met. The duke, 64, hit the headlines once again last year after a High Court hearing revealed alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a 'close' confidant.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
School named after Duke of York to rebrand
A school named after the Duke of York is set to be rebranded to something less 'controversial'. Prince Andrew School – the only secondary school on the remote British overseas territory of St Helena – is asking its students to suggest something more 'neutral'. The decision stems from 'recent public controversy' and 'negative media coverage', and has been approved by Buckingham Palace, a statement from the government of St Helena said. The tiny island sits in the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,165 miles west of mainland Africa, and has a population of around 4,000. It is known for being the site of Napoleon Bonaparte's second period of exile after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Head teacher Phil Toal said: 'While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. 'Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.' Andrew's namesake, which opened in 1989, is surrounded by woodland and boasts majestic views across James Bay, according to its website. The new name is expected to be chosen by the end of February, and will be launched at the start of the next academic year in September. 'The school believes this change is a crucial step in ensuring its name embodies the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community,' the statement said. 'The decision to rename the school stems from several factors, including recent public controversy and negative media coverage. 'The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations.' Furore erupted in 2019 over Andrew's friendship with convicted US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He stepped away from his public role and later paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met. The duke, 64, hit the headlines once again last year after a High Court hearing revealed alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a 'close' confidant.
