In a recent revelation from Andrew Lownie’s updated biography, “Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York,” alarming details have emerged regarding former Prince Andrew’s behaviour during a family gathering at Sandringham. The incident, which reportedly involved Andrew kicking his dog, has sparked controversy and prompted concerns about his treatment of animals and interpersonal conduct.
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The book details that during a pheasant shoot at the Sandringham estate, Andrew, now 66, was present with his Labrador when the dog misbehaved and snatched a sausage roll from a guest’s hand. According to Lownie, when the dog jumped at the guest, Andrew reacted by kicking the animal in the head, causing it to whimper. Witnesses to the event were evidently taken aback, with one unnamed royal guest criticising Andrew’s actions as “disgusting.”
In a confrontation that escalated quickly, Andrew reportedly responded to this criticism with hostility, telling the guest to “[expletive] off” and asserting that he would manage his dogs as he saw fit. The explosive exchange did not go unnoticed; several other attendees were allegedly in agreement with the guest’s sentiment and were seen giving him thumbs-up gestures of approval.
The situation took an interesting turn later in the day when Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, approached the guest to express his agreement with the criticism of Andrew’s behaviour. Lownie quotes Philip as saying, “What you said to my son today was absolutely right, and Her Majesty and I fully agree with what you said. Andrew needs a good scolding from time to time.”
The anecdote adds to the already complex narrative surrounding Prince Andrew, who has faced significant scrutiny over his royal behaviour and associations, particularly regarding his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. He has also been stripped of his royal titles amid continued public interest in his life post-royalty.
The legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth, a renowned lover of corgis, looms large over the actions of her son. Following her passing in September 2022, Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson took on the responsibility of caring for her final two corgis, Muick and Sandy. They had gifted these dogs to the Queen as puppies, and they have since been seen as a lasting connection to her memory.
Recent developments in Andrew’s life have also included a public incident involving harassment. Reports indicate that while walking the corgis near Sandringham, he was confronted by a man in a balaclava who shouted at him. This alarming event led to Andrew hastily retreating to his vehicle, closely followed by his security team.
Norfolk Police confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified as Alex Jenkinson, in connection with the incident. He has been charged with using threatening behaviour and has been ordered to stay away from several royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
As of now, Andrew has not issued a public statement addressing either the incidents reported in Lownie’s book or the recent harassment encounter. Buckingham Palace has refrained from commenting on matters involving him, further fuelling speculation about his standing within the royal family.
The timeline of these events paints an intriguing picture of a royal family navigating interpersonal challenges and external scrutiny. Andrew’s alleged mistreatment of his dog during a family gathering illustrates a troubling portrayal of his character, which is likely to continue attracting public interest in the months to come.
As the forthcoming trial of Andrew concerning the harassment matter approaches, it remains to be seen how these incidents may affect his already enduring relationship with the royal family and his public image. The repercussions of his actions may resonate for some time, raising questions about accountability in the context of royal privilege.