Prince William "saw Andrew as a real pariah," the former royal editor of The Sun has claimed after it was revealed that it was revealed that King Charles' brother will hand back his titles.
Speaking to GB News, royal expert Duncan Larcombe said the move was "long overdue", claiming the disgraced royal had shown "arrogance" and "self-importance" in believing he could continue as part of the Royal Family.
"This is a prince who is so arrogant and so full of his own self-importance that he thought he could just carry on," Mr Larcombe told GB News.
"He denies all the allegations, of course, but it will not go away."
Prince Andrew announces that he is surrendering his titles today
|GETTY
The Sun’s former royal editor said Andrew’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing accusations had made his position "completely untenable".
"Frankly, it’s about time. Probably far too late, frankly", he added.
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"But he will no longer be a member of the Royal Family and most people would say absolutely, quite right, thank goodness."
Mr Larcombe went on to suggest Prince William had played a significant role behind the scenes.
"I think William saw his uncle as nothing more than a real pariah, frankly," he said.
"The Queen had a soft spot for Prince Andrew, and Charles, as his brother, didn’t want to punish him unnecessarily.
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"But William is no fool. He’s got his destiny to fulfil and he read the room."
He said: "I think today’s breaking story shows exactly how much influence William now has inside King Charles’s court."
Andrew announced earlier that he would give up his Duke of York title "to put duty to my family and country first".
He will also surrender his membership of the Order of the Garter but remain a prince as the son of the late Queen Elizabeth.
Prince William has a 'huge influence' in King Charles' court
| GETTYThe move follows mounting pressure over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and fresh reports alleging a close connection between the two.
In a statement released today, Andrew said: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family," Prince Andrew said.
"As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me," he concluded.
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