Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor accused of ‘physical altercation’ with late Queen Elizabeth’s aide

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been accused of getting involved in a “physical altercation” with one of the late Queen Elizabeth‘s aides.

The new book by royal author Robert Hardman, Elizabeth II, alleges that the King’s brother lashed out at Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt because he could not accommodate a Pitch@Palace event at Buckingham Palace.

Details of an alleged altercation

According to Hardman, the former Duke of York’s behaviour was considered so concerning that his late father, Prince Philip, reportedly felt obliged to write a letter of apology to Sir Tony.

© Samir Hussein/WireImageA new book alleges that Andrew was once caught up in a physical altercation

“It was a routine household matter,” a senior member of staff told Robert Hardman in the book that is being serialised in the Daily Mail.  “The Duke wanted to have a reception, and there wasn’t any room. It was as simple as that.

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“Tony said he’d have to wait his turn like anybody else, and the Duke went for him.”

© Getty ImagesVice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt (pictured centre) was seen with Andrew at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral in September 2025

Hardman went on to claim that it was “not just an outburst of expletives and a jab of a finger” and, in fact, a member of staff described it as a “kinetic” blow, which caused astonishment among the royal household. 

Sir Tony is a retired Royal Navy officer who is currently serving as the Master of the Household. The book details how Sir Tony is said to have reported the altercation with the former prince to the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Peel, who raised it with Charles, who allegedly spoke to his brother.

Andrew’s alleged failure to apologise 
© PA Images via Getty ImagesVice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt remains King Charles’ Master of the Household

The royal biographer also claims that the Lord Chamberlain then received a call from an unapologetic Andrew, who allegedly said: “I gather you’ve been calling people and causing problems.”

Andrew misses royal Easter 

Hardman’s book, which marks the centenary of the late Queen’s birth with a written portrait of her life, is set for release in full on 9 April. It will come after Andrew, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 19 February 2026, missed the royal Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on 5 April. 

© Getty ImagesAndrew did not attend the 2026 Easter Matins Service at St George’s Chapel

Absent too from the service, which was attended by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, were Andrew’s two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. 

© UK Press via Getty ImagesAndrew, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were not seen on Easter Sunday

HELLO! understands that, with the agreement and understanding of the King, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie made alternative plans for this Easter. 

However, they are very much part of the family, as seen during their recent appearance at Christmas in Sandringham, and will be seen at future family celebrations.