Prince Harry and Prince Andrew dubbed 'The Dukes of Hazard' by Palace Insiders amid Growing Tensions
Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have reportedly earned the unflattering nickname "The Dukes of Hazard" from Buckingham Palace staff, highlighting the increasing strain in their relationships with the royal family.
The emergence of this nickname comes as King Charles faces ongoing challenges in handling disputes within his family, particularly concerning his younger brother, Prince Andrew. At the center of these tensions is Andrew's uncertain future at Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate where he has lived for decades. His controversial associations—most notably with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and a Chinese businessman accused of espionage—have cast a shadow over his position within the monarchy.
As a result of these issues, Andrew was notably absent from the royal family's Christmas gathering at Sandringham, further fueling speculation about his diminishing role within the Firm. Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s rift with the monarchy has reached new heights. Since stepping back from royal duties and moving to the U.S. with Meghan Markle, Harry has become increasingly vocal about his grievances with the institution, culminating in the release of his memoir *Spare* and a series of high-profile interviews.
The fallout from Harry's revelations, combined with Andrew's ongoing scandals, has led to the controversial moniker "The Dukes of Hazard" being whispered behind palace doors. Royal correspondent Kate Mansey discussed the term on *The Royals with Roya and Kate* podcast, explaining that courtiers view both Harry and Andrew as "difficult dukes" who present ongoing problems for the King, with Andrew's situation being more complicated.
Neither Harry nor Andrew holds the status of working royal, and King Charles is reportedly walking a fine line, carefully managing these family tensions to avoid further rifts. According to a source, "His Majesty does not want to exacerbate family tensions further. By nature, he is a unifier, not a divider."
