Royal commentator Robert Hardman made the blunt assessment during an appearance on the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential program, where he shared a revealing anecdote about Prince Andrew’s behavior at Royal Lodge, his Windsor residence.
When asked how the royals handle being kept waiting, Hardman replied: “Don’t test royals’ patience, I think is a fairly useful watchword. Some are more patient than others.”
He then pointed to Prince Andrew specifically: “The most impatient royal I can think of is Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. A few years ago, he was driving back from Windsor Castle to his house, Royal Lodge, and he came up to the gate, which had an electric buzzer. He pressed the buzzer—nothing happened. Pressed again—nothing.”
Rather than wait, Andrew reportedly took matters into his own hands, quite literally. “He just drove straight through the gate, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to both car and gate,” Hardman revealed.
This criticism arrives at a particularly sensitive time for the Duke of York, who remains largely out of public life following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and his withdrawal from royal duties. Now, while Prince Andrew fades further from favor, Princess Eugenie appears to be stepping confidently into the royal spotlight.
Recently, King Charles appointed Eugenie as a mentor for The King’s Foundation’s new initiative, the “35 Under 35” network. The project will connect 35 young creatives from around the world with royal mentors to promote sustainability, traditional crafts, and the arts.
Eugenie expressed her excitement over the opportunity, signaling growing trust in her by the monarch. The role ties closely to King Charles’ long-standing interest in environmental advocacy and traditional craftsmanship.
Her appointment is being viewed by royal observers as a clear signal of her rising status within the family—something that contrasts sharply with her father’s increasingly diminished role.
While Prince Andrew grapples with his tarnished image and now a not-so-flattering reputation for impatience, Princess Eugenie’s involvement in the King’s signature charitable efforts suggests a new chapter of royal engagement for the younger generation of Windsors.