In a surprising intervention across the Atlantic, former US President Donald Trump has expressed sympathy for the Royal Family following Prince Andrew's dramatic fall from grace.
The Duke of York was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages last week, a move that effectively removes him from public life as a working royal.
The Epstein Connection
This decisive action by Buckingham Palace comes as Prince Andrew faces a civil sexual assault case in the United States. Virginia Giuffre alleges she was forced to have sex with the prince three times when she was 17 - claims he vehemently denies.
The case revolves around his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Trump's Unexpected Support
Speaking to UK journalist and Donald Trump biographer, Piers Morgan, the former president revealed his thoughts on the royal crisis.
"I feel badly for them," Mr Trump stated, referring to the Royal Family. "I think it's a very tough thing for them. It's a very sad thing."
This expression of sympathy is particularly noteworthy given Trump's own previous connections to Epstein. Both men moved in similar social circles in New York and Florida during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Royal Reckoning
The palace's unprecedented move represents the most significant action taken against Prince Andrew since the scandal began unfolding. Key consequences include:
- Removal of all military affiliations
- Loss of royal patronages
- Prohibition from using 'His Royal Highness' in official capacity
- Effective banishment from public royal duties
This development comes just months after Queen Elizabeth II stripped her second son of his remaining official roles, signalling the monarchy's determination to distance itself from the ongoing legal battle.
The case continues to cast a long shadow over the House of Windsor as it prepares for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations later this year.
