Prince William is said to have wanted to banish Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for good in order to protect the Royal Family's reputation, it has been reported. The 43-year-old, who is next in line to the throne, implored King Charles to strip the disgraced royal of his titles and honours.

The US Department of Justice released a number of new documents and images last month as part of the Epstein files, some of which mention Andrew. This included emails sent by the former prince, as well as photographs of him, which appear to show Andrew on all fours leaning over a fully-dressed woman lying on the floor.

Andrew, who will celebrate his 66th birthday next week, had always vehemently denied the allegations, both publicly and privately to his family.

According to the Daily Mirror's Royal Editor Russell Myers's latest book, William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, one palace source close to William said: "The Prince of Wales was adamant the whole episode would never go away and, despite how others may have felt, there was absolutely no upside in Andrew being protected."

The book, which will be released later this month, added: "His view was crystal clear, Andrew shouldn’t be anywhere near the family under any circumstances, not by association, not at family functions, anywhere.

"Every single time there was a new revelation, which no one knew when it was coming or what the next one would be, it was a stain on all of the family."

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It is not clear whether William heard the shout, but he paid no attention to it and carried on with the engagement. Royal aides stressed he had a job to do, and he was getting on and doing it.

Extracted from WILLIAM AND CATHERINE by RUSSELL MYERS, published by Ebury Spotlight on 26th February at £22. Copyright © Russell Myers 2025.