The recent removal of Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, from his royal titles and residence marks a significant turning point for the British Royal Family. Stripped of his titles and relocated from his Windsor home to his estate in Norfolk, Andrew’s fall from grace follows his arrest and ongoing allegations, which he continues to deny.

Experts suggest that the shift in the Royal Family’s response to the controversy has been influenced substantially by the women who married into the family, particularly Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine. Over the past six months, both women have emerged as key figures behind the scenes, advocating for a firmer stance on issues related to character and accountability within the monarchy.

“It’s very likely that Kate and Camilla wielded a quiet but incredibly powerful influence over both the King and Prince of Wales when it came to their response,” said Katie Nicholl, co-host of The Royals Uncensored podcast. She noted that both women have long been associated with campaigns against domestic violence and sexual abuse. Camilla, in particular, has been vocal about abuse against women, making the allegations against Andrew especially at odds with her public commitments.

Author Andrew Lownie, known for his book *Entitled* — which examines the rise and fall of the House of York — agrees that it was largely the relative outsiders in the royal circle, including the Queen and Princess of Wales, who recognized early the reputational risks posed by Andrew’s conduct. He added that Andrew’s poor personal relationships within the family contributed to their stance.

Catherine Mayer, author of *Divide and Rule: Royal Women and their Battles*, contrasts the current approach with that of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was seen as protective of Andrew. Mayer highlights Camilla’s role as president of the Women of the World Foundation and her 2021 speech calling for male involvement in combating violence against women as indicative of a broader shift within the family.

However, not all observers view the influence of Camilla and Catherine solely through a lens of advocacy or principle. Norman Baker, former Liberal Democrat MP and royal historian, suggests the women’s motivations may be pragmatic, aimed at preserving the monarchy’s standing amid declining public support. He describes their actions as strategies to safeguard the institution’s survival rather than expressions of activism or solidarity.

Despite differing interpretations, both Camilla and Catherine have been credited with carefully cultivating their roles within the Royal Family. Unlike predecessors such as Diana or Meghan, whose more immediate and public approaches sometimes clashed with royal protocols, Camilla and Catherine have embraced a long-term, measured strategy emphasizing discretion and steady influence.

Camilla’s transformation from a once heavily criticised figure to a central pillar of the monarchy is highlighted as one of the most remarkable shifts in recent royal history. Likewise, Catherine has navigated intense public scrutiny, overcoming early portrayals as a social outsider to become a trusted and respected member of the family. Observers note her handling of a cancer diagnosis in 2024 further enhanced perceptions of her authenticity and resilience.

As the Royal Family continues to confront the fallout from Andrew’s actions, the quiet but firm presence of these two royal matriarchs signals a new chapter defined by patience and strategic influence, reshaping the monarchy’s response to internal challenges and public expectations.