New Biography Unveils Prince Andrew's Private Life

The Rise and Fall of the House of York," by historian Andrew Lownie, offers a revealing look into the private lives of the Duke of York and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The book delves into various aspects of their lives, including relationships and the Duke's financial dealings, and examines his association with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The biography alleges that the Duke and Sarah Ferguson had known Epstein for nearly a decade before the Duke claimed to have met him. Lownie suggests that Epstein exploited the Duke, using him for respectability and access to influential figures. The book quotes Steven Hoffenberg, described as Epstein's "mentor," who allegedly referred to the Duke as his "Super Bowl trophy."

The book also claims that compromising material on the Duke may have been passed to various intelligence services, including Israel's Mossad, Saudi Arabian authorities, and Libyan intelligence. These claims are based on a documentary by journalist Ian Halperin and are said to be confirmed by sources close to the Duke. Additionally, the book suggests that potentially damaging files related to the Epstein investigation may have ended up in Russian hands.

The biography details a heated argument between Prince Andrew and Prince Harry at a family gathering in 2013. The book also alleges that the Duke made disparaging remarks about the longevity of Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle, which both Harry and Meghan have denied. The book further claims that Buckingham Palace braced itself for complaints about the Duke's behavior following accusations of bullying against Meghan Markle.

The book raises questions about the Duke's finances, particularly how he can afford the Royal Lodge and its associated costs, given his limited income sources. It revisits the matter of a £750,000 payment from a Turkish millionaire that ended up in the Duke's account. The book also examines the Duke's relationships, including his holiday to Tunisia with a convicted Libyan gun-smuggler.

The biography makes several claims about the Duke's personal life, including allegations about his sexual behavior and a vulgar sense of humor. One claim suggests that numerous women were brought to his hotel room during a stay in Bangkok. The book also includes accounts of the Duke's alleged bullying behavior towards palace staff.