**Prince Andrew’s Disgraced Past Serves as a Cautionary Tale for Prince William and Kate Middleton**
*Published: October 3, 2025 | 5:48 p.m. ET*
Royal experts speaking to RadarOnline.com reveal that Prince Andrew’s troubled history is prompting Prince William and Kate Middleton to tread “extremely carefully” in how they raise their three ultra-privileged children. The couple, both aged 43, are parents to Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7).
Prince George is expected to inherit the throne one day, but commentators say the greater challenge lies in ensuring his younger siblings do not feel sidelined or grow embittered in the role of the so-called “spare.” This dynamic has historically caused significant strain and long-term damage within the House of Windsor.
### The Challenge of Raising a Future King and His Siblings
A source close to the family explained:
“Prince Harry and especially Prince Andrew highlight what happens when things go wrong after being spoiled as children. Andrew developed entitlement, Harry grew resentful – and both paths have damaged the institution. That is the clear warning for William and Kate as they bring up their children.”
Another insider added:
“They know the risks all too well. Their priority is to ensure George isn’t singled out while Charlotte and Louis don’t feel overlooked. It’s a fine line to walk – and history proves how damaging it can be if it tips the wrong way.”
### Andrew’s Scandal and Harry’s Resentment
Prince Andrew, 65, has been forced to step back from public life following his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview regarding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. His attempted defense—claiming he could not sweat and that he was at a Pizza Express on the night of an alleged assault—was met with widespread ridicule and eventually led to his near exile from royal duties.
Andrew’s position weakened further due to disputes over his Royal Lodge residence and questions surrounding his overseas associations.
Prince Harry, 41, and his wife Meghan Markle, 44, stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to California. Since then, Harry has published his memoir *Spare* and participated in a high-profile Oprah Winfrey interview alleging racism and mistreatment within the monarchy. His outspoken criticism has deepened the rift with the royal family, showing scant signs of reconciliation.
### A Stark Lesson for William and Kate
Royal commentator Richard Eden reflects on the implications for William and Kate:
“I think Andrew and Harry should both stand as a warning to Prince William and Catherine that how you treat the ‘spare’ is very difficult. We’ve seen in both cases they’ve grown up with the wrong attitudes—bitterness and resentment from Harry, and in Andrew’s case a kind of weird entitlement. From everything we’ve heard, William and Catherine are making real efforts to avoid that, but it is hard when it’s a winner-takes-all scenario.”
### Prince Edward as a Positive Example
Comparisons are also being made to Prince Edward, 61, who has managed to avoid scandal while maintaining a lower profile. Sources describe him as a “great example” of how to raise a royal.
A friend of Edward once commented that he “never changed that much, he’s not arrogant and always behaved in a positive way.” Observers attribute much of Edward’s stability to his marriage to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 60, which provided a solid foundation lacking in his brothers’ lives.
A source noted:
“Birth order inevitably plays a part. The further down the line of succession a child is, the more it influences how they see their role. But personality and the influence of those closest to them are just as important.”
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Prince William and Kate Middleton’s measured approach to parenting their children serves as a mindful effort to avoid repeating past mistakes and preserve the integrity of the monarchy for future generations.
https://radaronline.com/p/prince-andrew-warning-william-kate-raising-kids/