Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Accused of Physical Altercation With Queen Elizabeth Aide
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has been accused of engaging in a physical altercation with a senior aide to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
- According to the reports, the incident involved Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, who has served as the master of the Royal household since 2013 and continues to hold that...
- The conflict reportedly began over a routine household matter regarding the use of space at Buckingham Palace.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has been accused of engaging in a physical altercation
with a senior aide to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The claims emerge from an excerpt of a book titled Elizabeth II
by royal author Robert Hardman, which has been serialized in the Daily Mail.
According to the reports, the incident involved Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, who has served as the master of the Royal household since 2013 and continues to hold that position under King Charles III.
Details of the Altercation
The conflict reportedly began over a routine household matter regarding the use of space at Buckingham Palace. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor sought to host a Pitch@Palace event, but was informed that the venue could not accommodate the reception.
A senior member of staff told Robert Hardman that Sir Tony informed the former duke that he would have to wait his turn like anybody else
, at which point the former duke allegedly went for him
.
The altercation was described by one member of staff as a
Robert Hardman, Elizabeth IIkineticblow that caused astonishment within the royal household.
Following the incident, Sir Tony is said to have reported the encounter to the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Peel. Lord Peel then raised the matter with the then Prince Charles, who allegedly discussed the incident with his brother.
The reporting further claims that Lord Peel later received a telephone call from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who allegedly stated: I gather you’ve been calling people and causing problems.
Additional Allegations and Legal Context
The book also describes a separate alleged incident occurring in Windsor involving grooms from the Royal Mews. While the grooms were riding some of the late Queen’s horses on the estate, a car was observed revving its engine aggressively
.
The vehicle reportedly pulled alongside Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who then bellowed
at the driver, asking Who the f*** do you think you are?
The former duke then demanded the driver’s name so that he could take the matter up with Queen Elizabeth II in person.
These claims surface amid other legal developments. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Current Status of the Former Duke
The former Duke of York has been stripped of all his former styles and titles by his brother, King Charles III. He currently lives in exile in Sandringham.