The decline of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, once a favored royal, into disgrace has highlighted the differential treatment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Buckingham Palace, in response to public outcry over allegations against Andrew, announced that King Charles initiated the process to strip Andrew of his royal titles. Andrew will be relocating from Royal Lodge to a home on the monarch’s Sandringham estate.
Despite Andrew’s prior voluntary decision to relinquish his titles, the King formalized the removal. Andrew had maintained a lease at Royal Lodge for 75 years but will now move to Sandringham. This action follows Andrew’s retreat from royal duties six years ago, with his official removal from patronages and positions occurring in early 2022 due to legal action by Virginia Giuffre.
In contrast, Harry and Meghan faced immediate loss of taxpayer-funded security upon stepping back as working royals. Following the release of Harry’s revealing memoir, they were evicted from Frogmore Cottage despite advance rent payments and repayment for renovations funded by the Sovereign Grant during their time as working royals.
Royal expert Afua Acheampong-Hagan pointed out a disparity in the treatment of Andrew versus Harry and Meghan, noting the extensive protection afforded to Andrew compared to the couple’s exclusion. The expert highlighted the hardships faced by Meghan behind closed doors, as she candidly discussed the challenges of royal life and mental health struggles.
In a poignant interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan disclosed her battle with suicidal thoughts. Harry, in his memoir, drew attention to the differing treatment of Andrew regarding security measures. Despite Andrew’s scandalous allegations, his security was retained, while Harry and Meghan faced scrutiny and security removal for different reasons.
The expert emphasized the disparity in protection between Andrew, the Queen’s favored son, and Meghan, who did not receive similar support during her mental health struggles. Meghan’s openness about her challenges shed light on the unseen difficulties faced by members of the royal family, contrasting sharply with the treatment of others in similar circumstances.