Mother's Little Angel

As his reputation lies in ruins, a new book takes a look at Prince Andrew’s formative years and how they shaped the man he’d become

His name has become synonymous with scandal and disgrace thanks to his friendship with American paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Queen Elizabeth’s second-eldest son Prince Andrew (60) is a figure of almost universal derision – and the saga continues unabated as US authorities seek his cooperation in the investigation into the late Epstein’s den of depravity.

Now into the fray comes a sensational new book, Prince Andrew: Epstein and the Palace by British writer Nigel Cawthorne, which delves into the life of the man widely acknowledged to be his mother’s favourite son.

In this fascinating extract, Andrew’s childhood and youth are unpacked – years of privilege, plenty and popularity. And overriding everything was Andrew’s attitude of superiority and entitlement.

BOY WONDER

Born on 19 February 1960, Andrew was a handful from the beginning. His nanny called him “Baby Grumpling” for his temper tantrums, mischief and obstinacy. He led her a merry dance and she struggled to teach him rudimentary manners.

It took all her willpower to not make him scoff his food as fast as he could to go back to his games. Originally, the infant prince was loved by other palace staff, who called him “Andy Pandy” after a popular puppet programme on TV.

But that affection for him didn’t last long. He got obstinate if he didn’t get his way and after his sister, Princess Anne, left for school at Benenden and until his younger brother, Prince Edward, joined him in the nursery, he was the king of his solitary domain.