Andrew ‘plotted to take over major role’ from King Charles
The former Duke of York reportedly planned to secure his legacy by taking over one of the King's key roles before his major fall from grace.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor plotted launching a public comeback by "taking up the mantle of conservation" from King Charles, reports suggest. The former Duke of York was said to be in talks to head up a non-profit organisation campaigning for environmental issues just months before his infamous Newsnight interview. The venture, set to be named The Royal Conservancy, would reportedly have marked the first step towards Andrew's inheritance of his brother's eco-warrior role after Charles ascended to the throne.
Talks were held with potential sponsors from Europe, the US and the Middle East, but fell through due to a lack of funding and support from the Cabinet Office, according to The Telegraph. Sources told the newspaper that the former prince saw the non-profit as an opportunity to find "something that would be his legacy".
Read more: Major Andrew update as former prince faces final humiliating blow
Read more: Prince Harry's awkward moment with Aussie press caught on camera on 'royal tour'
Read more: 'I had to sack Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – terrible remarks played role'
Andrew stepped back from royal duties after his disastrous Newsnight interview in November 2019, which saw him speak candidly about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
His links to the late financier also led King Charles to strip him of his remaining titles and evict him from his Windsor home in October 2025.
In February, the monarch's younger brother was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy.
In the latest blow to the former prince's reputation, Andrew was asked to give up his freedom of the city of London this week, an honour he received 2012 which is shared by all of his siblings.
His fall from grace was accelerated by the US Department of Justice's (DoJ) release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein, including numerous email exchanges between the former duke and the sex offender.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to Epstein but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.
