-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)

Throughout every stage of Prince Andrew’s fall from grace, it has frequently been reported that both The King and The Prince of Wales have stepped in to stop certain appearances – such as at events like the Order of the Garter.

But according to reports, any difficulties in the relationship between the heir to the throne and his uncle are due to a longstanding ‘grudge’ which dates back to the early days of his romance with the Princess of Wales.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: “I think William was quick to grasp that Andrew is toxic to the royal brand. And, in a pretty ruthless and business like way, I think William has pushed for Andrew to be excluded and to stay excluded from the official royal circle.”

The Prince of Wales frequently supports his father in decisions to exclude the Duke of York -Credit:Getty
Then, referencing reports in the Express that any relationship between Prince Andrew and Prince William has long been distant, Jennie adds: “I have no idea whether this dates back to some kind of grudge about the way Andrew treated Catherine in the early days. I certainly never heard anything to that effect.

“I do know that Diana liked Andrew very much and she found him good fun and very welcoming. So I don’t know why he would have been any different with Catherine. But then, families are complicated!

Jennie’s comments come after Daily Mail columnist Richard Kay wrote: “William has long held a grudge against Andrew for being unwelcoming when he first introduced the then Kate Middleton to the Royal Family and feels that his father has been too soft on him.”

Prince William reportedly felt that the King was too soft on Prince Andrew after he made comments about Kate -Credit:Getty Images
While Prince Andrew has been stripped of his royal and military associations, he does still hold one role – but the King made history to ensure he would never be called upon to step in.

Andrew remains one of the Counsellors of State – meaning he could fill in for the King if he is abroad, ill or becomes otherwise incapacitated and hold the powers of the sovereign in an emergency.

The Royal Family website explains: “By law, Counsellors of State include the Sovereign’s spouse and the next four people in the line of succession who are over the age of 21.

“Counsellors of State are authorised to carry out most of the official duties of the Sovereign, for example, attending Privy Council meetings, signing routine documents and receiving the credentials of new ambassadors to the United Kingdom.”

The King moved to include the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh on the list in a break from tradition -Credit:2022 Getty Images
However, shortly after his accession, the King wrote to the House of Lords to request that his sister, Princess Anne, and youngest brother, Prince Edward were added to the line-up.

This move came as a friendly gesture to both Prince Andrew and Prince Harry who still hold their roles, rather than being stripped of them altogether.

As a result, the royals who can step in for The King are: The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Sussex, The Duke of York, The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice and The Princess Royal.