Queen central to decision to strip Andrew of titles and focus on the victims of Epstein abuse

IN HISTORIC ROYAL UPHEAVAL

- Rebecca Russell Deputy Royal Editor

THE Queen was at the heart of the decision to strip disgraced Andrew of his titles and home, according to royal experts.

Camilla, 78, who has spent years supporting survivors of abuse, coercive control and sexual violence, was left “greatly embarrassed” by the ex-prince’s links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said.

The statement said “their majesties” sympathies were with the victims, showing they were as one on the issue, the broadcaster said.

Ms Bond added: “Camilla was specifically included in keeping the focus sharply on the victims and survivors of abuse.

"In fact, she wasn’t just included, she was figuratively standing shoulder to shoulder with the King, determined to show that it is the young women and children who were trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein who matter most.

“It’s extremely unusual for a statement of such constitutional gravity to be issued in the name of both King and Queen. But this is a matter which strikes at the very heart of some of Camilla's most important work.”

After Charles took the unprecedented decision on Thursday to strip his younger brother of his prince title and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge, Buckingham Palace said the King’s younger brother would now be styled Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.