The decline of Andrew Mounbatten Windsor, once a prominent member of the royal family, has brought attention to the contrasting treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Buckingham Palace made a significant announcement in response to public concerns surrounding allegations against Andrew and his association with Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles initiated the process to formally remove Andrew’s royal titles, leading to his relocation from Royal Lodge to a property on the Sandringham estate.
Despite Andrew’s prior decision to relinquish his titles voluntarily, King Charles decided to officially strip him of his royal privileges. Following his withdrawal from royal duties six years ago, Andrew faced further repercussions when his patronages and security were revoked upon facing legal action in the US. In contrast, when Harry and Meghan stepped back as working royals, they lost their taxpayer-funded security abruptly.
In a surprising turn of events in 2023, Harry’s memoir exposed the dysfunction within the royal family, resulting in the couple being asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage despite having made prior financial arrangements. Royal expert Afua Acheampong-Hagan highlighted the disparity in treatment between Andrew, who received significant protection, and Harry and Meghan, who faced isolation despite their contributions.
Meghan’s struggles with the pressures of royal life were publicly acknowledged during a documentary in 2019, where she discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood and marriage under intense scrutiny. She later disclosed her battle with suicidal thoughts in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. Harry reflected on the unequal treatment, citing the retention of Andrew’s security following allegations of misconduct.
The expert emphasized the discrepancy in protection afforded to Andrew compared to the hardships faced by Meghan, noting the lack of support for her mental health struggles within the royal institution. Harry’s revelations shed light on the double standards in royal security provisions, highlighting a systemic bias in the treatment of family members.