Prince Williamplayed a key role in the decision-making leading up to the ousting of his unclePrince Andrewfrom his royal roles.Palace sources confirmed that William, 37, was involved in conversations in the wake of Andrew’sdisastrous interviewabout his friendship with convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein.The Queen talked things over with her son and heirPrince Charles, 71, before Andrew, 59, announced he was“stepping back” from his royal duties. William was also key. “Senior members of the family were involved — the Prince of Wales and other members of the family as the Queen consulted and kept them informed,” one palace source tells PEOPLE.Prince Andrew at Royal Ascot.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/GettyIt is not surprising that William was a key member of the team, as he is increasingly taking part in strategic decisions and duties.For several years, he has been carrying out investitures in honors for his grandmotherQueen Elizabeth, 93, and quietlyheld his first audienceon her behalf recently. He has also been taking a more meaningful diplomatic role during overseas visits, such as those to Israel and Pakistan in the last year or so.Chris Jackson/Getty; Alexander Koerner/GettyMeanwhile, asmore charities and patronages cut their ties with Andrew, it has been suggested that all his work with the around 200 causes and charities on his roster has been mothballed. Palace source add that there is no change to what was said last week. “He is stepping back from public duties and his patronages and not undertaking any activities in this period,” says a source. His statement last week said he was withdrawing for the “foreseeable future.”Prince Andrew’s BBC interview.BBC/Mark HarrisonCan’t get enough ofPEOPLE‘s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!Since then, links have been severed with several organizations and many more may formally follow, leaving open the prospect that he has few royal patronages to return to when the time comes.
Prince Williamplayed a key role in the decision-making leading up to the ousting of his unclePrince Andrewfrom his royal roles.
Palace sources confirmed that William, 37, was involved in conversations in the wake of Andrew’sdisastrous interviewabout his friendship with convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein.
The Queen talked things over with her son and heirPrince Charles, 71, before Andrew, 59, announced he was“stepping back” from his royal duties. William was also key. “Senior members of the family were involved — the Prince of Wales and other members of the family as the Queen consulted and kept them informed,” one palace source tells PEOPLE.
Prince Andrew at Royal Ascot.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty
It is not surprising that William was a key member of the team, as he is increasingly taking part in strategic decisions and duties.
For several years, he has been carrying out investitures in honors for his grandmotherQueen Elizabeth, 93, and quietlyheld his first audienceon her behalf recently. He has also been taking a more meaningful diplomatic role during overseas visits, such as those to Israel and Pakistan in the last year or so.
Chris Jackson/Getty; Alexander Koerner/Getty
Meanwhile, asmore charities and patronages cut their ties with Andrew, it has been suggested that all his work with the around 200 causes and charities on his roster has been mothballed. Palace source add that there is no change to what was said last week. “He is stepping back from public duties and his patronages and not undertaking any activities in this period,” says a source. His statement last week said he was withdrawing for the “foreseeable future.”
Prince Andrew’s BBC interview.BBC/Mark Harrison
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE‘s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Since then, links have been severed with several organizations and many more may formally follow, leaving open the prospect that he has few royal patronages to return to when the time comes.
source: people.com
