‘Delete it’: Queen’s birthday post to Andrew slammed
The official royal family Instagram account has shared a birthday post to disgraced Prince Andrew who turns 60 today, and royal watchers are not happy.
Andrew has courted controversy for over a year after his ties to convicted pedophile Jefferey Epstein were unearthed amidst the former financer’s criminal trial and later conviction on sex abuse charges.
Andrew, Queen Elizabeth's second son, denies allegations he had sex with the 17-year-old, allegedly procured for him by his friend Epstein, but most recently it was revealed the Prince has provides ‘zero co-operation’ to the FBI and prosecution in the ongoing sex trafficking case.
The Prince was stood down from royal duties in November, but still nabbed himself a birthday post on the Queen’s official Instagram.
“On this day in 1960, Prince Andrew was born at Buckingham Palace, the first child born to a reigning monarch for 103 years,” the post read.
“Happy Birthday to The Duke of York.”
Royal watchers call for post to be pulled
Despite the historic nature of the tribute, royal watchers were quite simply furious, flooding the post with irate messages, and many calling for it to be pulled.
“Don’t think this is appropriate. Delete it,” one wrote.
“All things considered, this post is a little tone-deaf,” another wrote.
“I’m not happy that this has been posted as he has been removed from publicly representing the royal family,” a third shared. “I think it should be withdrawn!”
“Really bad taste this,” another shared.
Others simply echoed the birthday messages, while some staunchly defended the royal.
Other royals weigh in
Other members of the family also shared their own tributes, notably ex-wife Fergie who shared a portrait of her husband with a simple birthday message.
Daughter Eugenie also shared a throwback photo with her dad, who she called ‘papa’ in the caption, though her photo was treated more delicately by fans.
Neither Kate and Wills nor Harry and Meghan have posted a birthday tribute to their uncle.
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