King Charles is urged to apologize to Andrew

Last October, Charles removed Andrew’s remaining royal titles – including the right to use the style of prince – and ordered him out of the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

The decision followed what officials called “serious and prolific errors of judgment,” although Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.

At the time, a palace statement said Charles and his wife Camilla’s thoughts “and their utmost condolences” were “and will continue to be with the victims and survivors of all forms of abuse.”

Aid workers said the message was intended as a compassionate gesture, but campaigners now view it as insufficient.

“They think the king is hiding behind careful words,” said a source close to a victims’ advocacy group. “What the survivors are demanding is an outright apology – not a line drawn up by lawyers.”

Prince Edward recently became the first royal to comment directly on the issue, saying it is “very important to remember the victims”.

Another palace aide said: “Charles understands the seriousness of the allegations and how much this has hurt the survivors. But there is a genuine fear that admitting some responsibility could open the floodgates legally and politically. His advisers are divided – some say a groveling apology shows compassion, others warn it can look like an admission of guilt.’