Prince Andrew Slept With 12 Women in First Year of Marriage
Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York in Townsville, 1988. Photo courtesy of the Queensland State Archives under CC BY 3.0 AU.
Prince Andrew's first year of marriage to Sarah Ferguson was marked by scandal and emotional turmoil, according to a bombshell new biography by historian Andrew Lownie. The book, "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," published in August 2025, alleges that the Duke of York slept with "more than a dozen women" in the first year of their marriage, according to The Daily Beast. This revelation casts a harsh light on a relationship already known for its volatility and royal neglect.
A Year Marked by Promiscuity and Neglect
According to the biography, which cites a former driver as a source, Andrew was involved with more than a dozen women during the first 12 months of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson. The implication is that the prince allegedly had a new partner every month, a pattern that contributed to the breakdown of their union.
As reported by The Daily Beast, the book also describes how Ferguson, upon realizing she would be a "shore widow" due to Andrew's naval duties, was deeply hurt and soon engaged in her own series of affairs, according to the biography. Their marriage, which began in July 1986, ended in separation in 1992 and divorce four years later. Sources cited in the biography allege that their arguments allegedly "bordered on domestic violence," with Ferguson telling a friend that she was married to a man who "has never been inside a supermarket," highlighting the emotional distance between them.
The Royal Routine Behind the Scandal
Lownie's biography portrays Andrew's lifestyle during this period as disengaged and indulgent, according to The Daily Beast. The prince's idea of a good time reportedly involved sitting indoors watching golf on television, with meals delivered so he could continue watching uninterrupted. This image contrasts sharply with public expectations of royal duty and decorum. As When Ferguson sought support from Queen Elizabeth II, her concerns were reportedly deflected to topics like dogs and horses, underscoring her isolation within the royal family, according to the biography.
A "Serial Sex Addict" and the Epstein Connection
The biography also explores Andrew's controversial friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Lownie's biography describes Andrew as a "serial sex addict," according to Page Six, a label that echoes the serious allegations that have shadowed the Duke of York for years. Epstein is portrayed as exploiting Andrew's status, with the prince described as a "useful idiot," according to The Guardian, who lent Epstein respectability and access to political and business circles, according to Lownie's book.
Lownie's book also claims Andrew's entanglement with Jeffrey Epstein deepened through his on-off affair with Ghislaine Maxwell, who he describes in the text as both a long-time friend and "occasional" lover, as reported by Newsweek. According to the biography, Maxwell orchestrated a "premeditated" effort to reinvent the prince after he left the Royal Navy in 2001, revamping his wardrobe, managing his social calendar, and introducing him to wealthy circles — as well as to "many of the women with whom he had brief flings." The two also reportedly worked together on foreign business ventures, including a tobacco deal in Malawi and a luxury car arrangement in Thailand, where Andrew "spent a lot of time." In May 2000, they were spotted holding hands in Manhattan before boarding Epstein's "Lolita Express" alongside Naomi Campbell and Parisian art dealer Alexia Wallaert, a flight that Lownie says epitomized the decadent, high-risk lifestyle that "drew him further into Epstein's net."
Royal Backlash and the Future of Andrew's Title
The fallout from these revelations has reportedly stirred discussions within royal circles. According to The Daily Beast, sources close to Prince William say he recognizes the reputational threat Andrew poses to the monarchy and is prepared to take action if necessary. There is reported speculation about stripping Andrew of his "Prince" title entirely, with new legislation allegedly being considered to formalize such a move.
According to The Guardian, the biography also touches on allegations of Andrew's vulgar language and bullying of palace staff, which are cited as concerns within the institution.
Why This Matters to You
You might wonder why the private life of a royal matters beyond palace walls. The monarchy serves as a symbol of national identity and tradition. When a senior royal's behavior becomes scandalous, it threatens the institution's credibility and public trust. Andrew's alleged promiscuity and Epstein's scandal raise questions about accountability, privilege, and the limits of royal immunity.
The emotional toll on Sarah Ferguson, the damage to Andrew's reputation, and the potential political fallout for the monarchy are all intertwined in this saga. The book's revelations serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked entitlement and the consequences of personal choices on public life.
What Comes Next?
As "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York" continues to make waves, the royal family faces a critical moment. How they handle Andrew's legacy and ongoing investigations will shape public perception for years to come. The nickname "Randy Andy," once a dismissive media label, now seems to capture a chapter of royal history marked by excess, scandal, and the unraveling of a once-promising marriage.
Expect more revelations and debates as the book reaches a wider audience and as the monarchy grapples with maintaining its relevance in a modern world demanding transparency and integrity.
Prince Andrew's first year of marriage is a stark reminder that behind the gilded facade of royalty, human flaws and frailties persist, sometimes with spectacular consequences.
References: Prince Andrew Slept With 12 Women in the First 12 Months of His Marriage | Key takeaways from explosive claims made in biography of Prince Andrew | Prince Andrew | Prince Andrew Had 'Affair' With Ghislaine Maxwell: Book | Prince Andrew snarled in expose of his torrid scandals: Epstein, suitcases of cash and 'sex addiction': book
