Prince Andrew’s Entrance Disrupts Royal Event at Buckingham Palace
Robert Hardman’s new biography of Queen Elizabeth II collects vivid recollections from royal staff and event attendees. The book is being serialised in Filmogaz.com and is due on 9 April from Pan Macmillan priced at £22.
Disruption at an investiture
Hardman reports an incident before an investiture at Buckingham Palace. Guests say a blue Bentley performed a sudden manoeuvre across the palace quadrangle.
The car threw up gravel that landed on other vehicles. Attendees recalled the moment overshadowed the ceremony.
Confrontation at the Royal Mews
Another episode occurred at Windsor while grooms exercised the Queen’s horses. A groom signalled to a nearby car to ease its engine revving.
According to witnesses, the car stopped and the Duke of York shouted at the groom. He insisted on knowing her name and later raised the matter with the Queen.
Reputation within the household
Hardman’s interviews describe Prince Andrew as increasingly privileged and difficult to work with. Staff used words such as “arrogant” and “entitled.”
They also said his favour with the late Queen and naval background shaped his behaviour. Insiders described him as handsome and confident, but immature in temperament.
Navy service and later roles
Andrew served in the Royal Navy from 1979 until 2001. That 22-year career gave him public stature and discipline.
Royal aides told Hardman officials pressed the Navy to find him a role. They eventually said no suitable position could be found.
Comments from former staff
Dickie Arbiter, who managed the Queen’s public image for more than a decade, said palace press officers might feel relief now. He used the terms “arrogant and entitled” to describe Andrew’s public persona.
Dai Davies, who led Royal Protection in the mid-1990s, oversaw about 450 officers. He remembered most royals as polite and pleasant, but called Andrew rude and dismissive.
Book details
The biography is titled Elizabeth II. In Private. In Public. The Inside Story. It will be published by Pan Macmillan on 9 April.
