Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Harry’s dig at Andrew
Queen protection comment ‘linked to Abbey appearance’
EXCLUSIVE PRINCE Harry’s bombshell comment about making sure the Queen has “got the right people around her” was aimed at Prince Andrew, Palace aides believe.
Harry shocked the royal household last week when he said he was pleased to recently see his grandmother so he could ensure “she’s protected and [has] got the right people around her”.
But it has now emerged the outburst followed Harry being furious at seeing his disgraced uncle escorting the Queen into Prince Philip’s memorial.
His comments in an interview on US channel NBC had initially been seen by royal watchers as a dig at his father, Prince Charles, and brother Wills.
But a Buckingham Palace source said: “There is a feeling this may be linked to Andrew who has grown quite close to his mother in recent months.
“Those images of Prince Andrew escorting the Queen to Westminster Abbey may have upset Harry, which is now believed to be one of the reasons he made such an astonishing remark.
“Harry is familiar with the Queen’s aides and there is no animosity at all.
“The Palace were aware he might do an interview but no one was expecting those sorts of comments.”
Images of the Queen with Prince Andrew may have upset Harry PALACE SOURCE ON PRINCE’S INTERVIEW
CONCERNS
The controversial interview took place while Harry was in Holland with wife Meghan for the Invictus Games.
It sparked a storm of criticism from royal watchers and fans.
Author Tom Bower said: “He is not only targeting Charles and William but also Edward Young, her private secretary. Harry’s full demands have been rebuffed and he is hitting out at those standing in the way of the Sussexes’ self-promotion.” While Prince Andrew has been widely condemned for his association with the late billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the monarch is said to have been more forgiving to her son. Earlier this year, Andrew agreed a multi-million-pound settlement with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre.
She had accused him of sexually abusing her on three occasions, including once when she was 17. The Duke has repeatedly and vehemently denied all allegations against him.