Queen Elizabeth’s Special Bond with Prince Andrew: Exploring Their Relationship

The Crown on Netflix has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the British royal family, and one question that often arises is whether Prince Andrew is truly Queen Elizabeth's favorite child.

While we may never have a definitive answer to this question, Vanity Fair reports that the queen and her second son do share an exceptionally close bond.

Unlike her other children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, the queen seemed to have more time to dedicate to Andrew when he was born.

Camilla Tominey, associate editor of The Daily Telegraph and a royal expert, reveals that the queen made it a point to be present in Andrew's life.

She would even personally drive herself to his school events, attending sports days and matches.

Even today, if Andrew is in Buckingham Palace, the queen will send him a handwritten note, and he will go see her.

A former palace insider shared that Andrew always greets his mother with a special ritual, bowing from the neck, kissing her hand, and then kissing her on both cheeks.

It's a little tradition that the queen adores, and it seems he can do no wrong in her eyes.

This close relationship becomes particularly significant when considering Andrew's involvement with convicted s** offender Jeffrey Epstein and the subsequent scandal that unfolded.

Despite Buckingham Palace denying all allegations against the prince, Andrew has stepped back from his royal duties.

However, the queen's unwavering affection for her son may explain why she has turned a blind eye to his troubling behavior.

It is not uncommon for a parent to have different relationships with each of their children, and Queen Elizabeth is no exception.

As reported by the Daily Beast, when Charles and Anne were born, the queen was younger and more preoccupied with her royal responsibilities.

However, there is a ten-year age gap between Anne and Andrew, and by the time Andrew arrived, the queen was older and more relaxed.

Royal biographer Penny Junor explains that the queen was initially busy and nervous as a new mother, relying on a nanny to care for the children.

But when Andrew and his younger brother Edward were born, the queen had become more relaxed and confident.

This laid-back dynamic continues to shape the queen's relationship with Andrew today, making it more relaxed and comfortable compared to her relationship with Charles.

Prince Andrew's favored status may have also contributed to the queen's reluctance to address his misbehavior, which traces back to his childhood.

Ingrid Seward, a royal biographer, reveals in her book, My Husband and I, The Inside Story of Seventy Years of the Royal Marriage, that Andrew would often engage in mischievous behavior, such as kicking at dogs and taunting guardsmen.

However, the queen could only turn a blind eye for so long.

Following a U.S. judge's ruling allowing Virginia Giuffre's civil lawsuit against Prince Andrew to proceed, the queen had no choice but to strip Andrew of his royal and military titles.

This decision was not taken lightly, as it marks a significant blow to both Andrew and the monarchy's reputation.

David McClure, a royal expert, explains that the queen's action demonstrates her firm stance on ending the damaging situation.

As a result, Andrew will no longer be addressed as His Royal Highness, and he will not be present at any of the queen's upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.

An aide close to the queen acknowledges that while she has a remarkable ability to compartmentalize and handle problems pragmatically, this decision is undoubtedly a heart-wrenching one for her as Andrew is her beloved son.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of s**ual assault, help is available.

Please visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

In conclusion, Queen Elizabeth's relationship with Prince Andrew is a complex one, rooted in a deep bond between mother and son.

While the queen's favoritism may have influenced her response to Andrew's controversies, the recent developments surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein have forced her to take decisive action.

The stripping of Andrew's titles and exclusion from the jubilee celebrations mark a significant turning point in their relationship and the monarchy as a whole.