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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has "always believed that he's entitled to taxpayer-funded security", claims royal commentator Rafe Haydel-Mankoo. The 66-year-old has not been provided security courtesy of the taxpayer since stepping down from royal duties in 2019.

The decision to step back took place over his connection to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The royal has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Speaking to GB News about Andrew's current security situation - especially after a recent security threat - Mr Haydel-Mankoo said that the family have been left in "an extremely uncomfortable position".

He said: "This situation is that it intersects family loyalty, public outrage, and then you've got the survival of the monarchy, so you have three competing elements there."

Discussing Andrew, he added that Andrew appears to be confused as to why he doesn't receive the same entitlements as his family members.

He said: "Andrew's always believed that he's entitled to taxpayer-funded security and his titles and everything else.

"It doesn't appear that he still understands quite why he's in the position he is in."

"But it's quite clear that from the perspective of the Royal Family and for the monarchy, the privileges of protection are inseparable from public service and public legitimacy - and he's lost both of those."

It was recently reported that Andrew cost taxpayers almost £15 million during his 10 years as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

Royal author Andrew Lownie's book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, which will be released in paperback on May 21, shared details about how much Andrew costs taxpayers during the decade in his role.

He wrote: "...It is estimated that as trade envoy Andrew cost the British taxpayer almost £15 million in travel expenses and police protection."