Sheila Bailey met the disgraced former royal twice a year for 12 years as chair of the Royal Aero Club, over which he presided as president.
The Royal Aero Club is the national co-ordinating body for air sport in the United Kingdom.
The former prince was released from police custody on Thursday night after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office earlier in the day.
Sheila Bailey standing directly behind Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Sheila, who hails from Dundalk, Co Louth, is a former CEO of the Ireland Fund of Great Britain and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her services to the Irish Community there. She now works on projects for several international charities.
Sheila also worked alongside the late Prince Philip – husband of Queen Elizabeth II – on the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and described him as “an extraordinary man”.
However speaking about Andrew, she admitted that she had little time for him.
“I worked with him for 12 years and he was a ghastly man,” she said.
“The nicest thing I can say about him was that he was an arrogant buffoon.
“He was rude, entitled and threw his weight around, often making jokes at other people’s expense. I couldn’t stand him.”
Sheila said she met him twice a year, once for dinner and once at the awards ceremony, which he walked out of once.
Sheila Bailey.
Speaking of the allegations of misconduct in public office, she said: “This is very serious stuff now, more serious than ever before and I don’t know if the royal family will survive it.
“Prince William and Princess Catherine will certainly be thinking about their future and the future of their children.
“Andrew is innocent until found guilty but the court of public opinion very much matters here. When the public starts questioning the king and other members of the family at official events, then it’s clear that a line has been crossed.”
Detectives are continuing searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home in Berkshire following his release from custody after he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He was held on Thursday morning following allegations made against him after the release of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, who is the first senior royal in modern history to be arrested, was held in custody for around 11 hours before he was released under investigation by Thames Valley Police.
Sheila Bailey standing directly behind Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds, Friday, February 20
Thames Valley Police said searches at a property in Norfolk – Andrew’s home on the Sandringham Estate – have now concluded.
But the force said those they were carrying out at a Berkshire address, his former residence Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, will continue.
Andrew was pictured slouching and looking drained and exhausted in the back of a vehicle as he left Aylsham police station in Norfolk on Thursday evening.
He arrived back at Sandringham later, his car sweeping past waiting journalists. A Reuters photograph taken after his release shows him seated inside the car, appearing visibly shaken.
Speaking after his brother’s arrest on Thursday morning, the British king said: “I have learned with deepest concerns news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner.
“Authorities have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.
“The law must take its course. It would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”