A former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II has spoken out about the late monarch’s relationship with her second son, Andrew, amid renewed scrutiny following his recent arrest. Ailsa Anderson, who served as the Queen’s Press Secretary from 2001 to 2013, was asked by BBC News about claims that Andrew was the Queen’s “favourite son” and whether she witnessed any signs of preferential treatment while working closely with the monarch.
Speaking live on BBC News, the royal expert said: “The media do say that he was the favourite son, but in my 12 years working for the late Queen I never saw her display any favouritism amongst any of her children so I can’t really say that’s true.” She added that the full extent of Andrew’s alleged wrongdoing and relationship with Epstein was not fully understood during her time in the royal household. Ailsa said: “Of course this story started in 2010, we didn’t know as much as we do now about the full extent of the allegations against Andrew, we did not know about the emails between him and Epstein, so we’re only really finding out the full extent of the matter.
“When the late Queen was alive we did not know the half of it really.” The comments come in the wake of a dramatic day for Andrew, the former Duke of York. Police were seen arriving at his temporary home, Wood Farm, on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, before he was formally arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the investigation relates to allegations connected to his role as the UK’s trade envoy. The arrest took place on Thursday morning, coinciding with Andrew’s 66th birthday, making him the first senior royal in modern history to be taken into custody.
Images circulated online appearing to show unmarked police cars outside Wood Farm, with plain-clothed officers gathering on the property. Police searches are also ongoing at Andrew’s former residence, Royal Lodge, in Berkshire.
Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing linked to his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but he has not directly addressed the latest allegations.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles wrote. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”
His message concluded with the signature “Charles R.”
Four months ago, the King had stripped Andrew of his right to use the title Duke of York and his princely style amid the ongoing Epstein scandal.