As Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces removal from Royal Lodge, his former royal household staff have been reflecting on their experiences working for the disgraced former Duke of York
A former member of the Royal household has disclosed that he was stunned by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct during his time serving the Royal Family, admitting he even contemplated “decking” the disgraced Royal at one stage. A biography about Andrew made it evident that he regarded staff merely as workers, and conducted himself accordingly.
With the former Duke of York’s looming eviction from the Royal Lodge, his residence since 2008, Andrew is unlikely to continue receiving the same ‘royal treatment’ he has become accustomed to throughout the years. Following the stripping of his titles and honours, numerous people are now recounting their experiences whilst employed by the 65 year old.
Multiple individuals have provided their own testimonies of his dreadful behaviour, with several highlighting his rudeness and narcissistic attitude, according to the Express. One ex-staff member, Colin Burgess, even admitted he came close to “decking” the former prince over an offensive remark he had uttered.
Speaking to Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, Burgess – who served as an equerry for the late Queen Mother – described the pivotal moment that led him to regard the then Duke of York as an “ignorant sod”. He remembered: “I remember nearly telling him where to go when he came into Clarence House and wanted something wrapped.
“He looked at me and barked: ‘You, wrap that!’ and pointed to some object. I just thought, you rude, ignorant sod, and felt like decking him.”, reports the Daily Record.
Lownie continued to describe how this behaviour starkly contrasted with the Queen Mother’s approach to her personal staff.
He elaborated: “It was obvious to Burgess in the way the royals viewed the Queen Mother’s staff. For [King] Charles, they were her companions, but to Andrew staff were just employees and were to be treated as such.”
Burgess further revealed: “I saw Andrew about once a month, when he came to visit Clarence House, and he would talk to the staff, including me, as an officer talks to his subordinates.
“He would say things such as: ‘I want this done and I want it done now,’ or ‘Have that done by such and such a time.’ I remember him always saying ‘Do it!’ which was his catchphrase of sorts.”
Andrew’s brusque manner wasn’t confined to staff members alone, as society journalist Petronella Wyatt also characterised Andrew as lacking self-awareness and being pompous.
Reflecting on her initial meeting with Andrew at a posh countryside gathering in the 1990s, Wyatt shared with Lownie: “He reminded me of Princess Margaret, who thought she was more royal than the Queen.
“He talked and you had to listen and ignored all attempts to change the conversation. He was as charming as a bull in a china shop and continued to make inappropriate jokes. He’s the most out-of-touch royal I’ve ever met and I’ve met lots. He really does believe in the Divine Right of Kings.”
Ken Wharfe, who served as personal protection officer to the late Princess Diana, also recounted his encounters with the Royal to the biographer. He recalled being asked to swap seats during a flight back from Balmoral so that Andrew could have the window seat.
Wharfe declared: “Unlike the rest of his family, Andrew has always proven to be a very arrogant individual. It’s just in his nature … and anyone he comes across in policing or public service is certainly of a lower class than him. His manners are just awful and his behaviour and attitude quite frankly does not endear him to everybody.”
Andrew has featured in numerous accounts of dangerous driving around the Windsor estate, forcing pedestrians to leap out of his path. In 2010, he was even reported to have struck a police officer whilst speeding through the gates of Buckingham Palace.
Lownie revealed: “The uniformed officer suffered an arm injury and complained to his superiors but nothing was done.”
A Windsor Great Park employee also commented in 2016: “He has a bit of a reputation for roaring around like Toad of Toad Hall.”
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