Andrew Lownie has revealed the genesis of Prince Andrew’s disastrous relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and why Buckingham Palace needs to “cut loose” the Duke and Duchess of York.
The veteran royal biographer is the author of the new book ‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York’, a warts-and-all account of the Yorks’ marriage and three decade partnership.
The bombshell book includes embarrassing revelations about the Duke of York’s sex life, as well as unprecedented new information about his business dealings while working as a British trade envoy.
Meanwhile, the Duke of York’s ex-wife and current housemate Fergie is painted as not only financially reckless, but so dangerous to the monarchy that the royal family keep her in the fold to protect themselves.
In an exclusive interview with the Sky News Australia digital series Power Hour, Mr Lownie opened up about the bizarre symbiotic relationship between Epstein and the Duke of York.
Their friendship, which ended in Prince Andrew’s public downfall, was equally transactional for both parties.
“Andrew was a useful piece of respectability for Epstein,” he told host Gabriella Power.
“Epstein provided useful contacts, someone who paid off debts for the couple and supplied women to Andrew.”
Andrew’s ability to provide “respectability” and connections for shadowy businessmen was a tool the Duke of York has exploited throughout his public life.
From 2001 until July 2011, Andrew worked as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
The role saw the bombastic Duke serve as roving ambassador for British trade around the globe, and Lownie alleges it was in this role that Andrew benefitted financially on the side.
According to Mr Lownie, Buckingham Palace were well-aware of Andrew’s links to possibly dodgy business figures but ignored the Duke’s reckless and brazen behaviour.
“MPs twenty years ago were asking our national crime agency to investigate him, nothing was done,” he said.
“I think (the book) is very damaging to Andrew and indeed to the monarchy who was very much aware what was going on and colluded with him.”
Ironically, diplomats also complained that instead of helping British trade, Andrew was a liability on important trade trips.
Mr Lownie called on King Charles to cut off his rogue brother once and for all to restore public trust in the monarchy’s integrity.
“There’s not sufficient transparency about royal finances, and royal activity full stop,” he said.
“We’re prepared to support our royal family but not if they’re on the take themselves.
“I think they need to look carefully and cut him loose.
“Nobody is above the law, including members of the royal family.”
‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York’ will be published by HarperCollins on 14 August 2025.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.skynews.com.au ’
