The Queen’s plan to rehabilitate Andrew Profumo Monarch-style suggested the disgraced Duke of York could turn to “low-key” community service as a way back into public life
The Queen suggested that Prince Andrew devote himself to charity work as a “way back into public life,” sources revealed.
Friends of the Duke claimed the late monarch believed her son could embark on a “Profumo-style” path to salvation by restraining good deeds.
This was a reference to disgraced Minister John Profumo, who turned to charity work after being forced to resign from government in the 1960s over his affair with Christine Keeler.
Although the idea of Andrew volunteering has been raised publicly before, this is the first suggestion that Queen Elizabeth supports the idea.
The Queen suggested that Prince Andrew devote himself to charity work as a “way back into public life,” sources revealed
Friends of the Duke of York (pictured driving around Windsor Castle) have claimed the late monarch believes her son may be able to embark on a “Profumo-style” path to redemption
“Andrew’s mother suggested the way forward was a charitable cause,” a source told The Independent.
“Other family members agreed and saw this as his only path to rehabilitation.”
It is believed that the prince has not taken on a charity role in recent years.
His critics have questioned whether organizations want to get in touch with him in the wake of the Epstein scandal and his out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, a known victim of the US pedophile who also accused the prince of sexual assault.
He has vehemently denied the allegation, stressing that there was no admission of liability as part of their multi-million pound settlement.
Although she publicly stripped her so-called favorite son of his patronage and prevented him from using his HRH title officially, the Queen was known to be sympathetic to his situation.
It was reported that she helped the Duke pay the settlement before she died.
Andrew is now said to be considering his legal options after Ms Giuffre dropped a similar sex abuse case against top US attorney Alan Dershowitz and said she may have been wrong to accuse him.
Critics have questioned whether organizations want to be involved with Prince Andrew following the Epstein scandal and his out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre (pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2001).
Although the idea of Andrew volunteering has been raised publicly before, this is the first suggestion that Queen Elizabeth II supports the idea
Friends say Andrew is cutting a lonely figure at Royal Lodge, the Windsor home he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
He is said to harbor hopes of a return to royal duties if he manages to get the US deal waived – but the Mail revealed over the weekend it was seen as ‘wishful thinking’ at Buckingham Palace, whatever the outcome.
Meanwhile, the Queen Consort began her first engagement as the new Colonel in the Grenadier Guards. She replaced her brother-in-law Andrew after he was stripped of his public duties.
Yesterday Camilla, 75, visited the battalion at Lille Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire.
She presented medals to ten soldiers selected for outstanding service in Iraq last year and two honored for long service.