At 11:30 AM on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a startling revelation emerged from a royal insider, shedding light on the mischievous side of Prince Andrew, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s favored son. Known for her dignified reign, the Queen was reportedly the target of numerous pranks orchestrated by Andrew during his youth, offering a rare glimpse into the lighter, more personal moments of royal life. This disclosure, shared during a private interview, paints a picture of a playful bond between mother and son, though it also hints at the leniency Andrew may have enjoyed due to his special status within the family.

A Mischievous Favorite

The insider revealed that Prince Andrew, born in 1960 when the Queen had settled into her role, delighted in testing his mother’s patience with a series of cheeky stunts. Among the most notable was the time he sprinkled itching powder into the Queen’s bed, a prank that likely caused her considerable discomfort yet showcased his bold sense of humor. Another incident involved Andrew sneaking behind a member of the Queen’s Guard and tying their shoelaces together, a move that risked disrupting the solemnity of palace duties but amused those who witnessed it.

Perhaps the most daring of his antics was when Andrew climbed onto the roof of Buckingham Palace to adjust the TV aerial, thwarting the Queen’s ability to watch her beloved Sandown Park horserace. This act of rebellion, carried out with a young boy’s audacity, highlighted his willingness to push boundaries, even at the risk of royal decorum. The insider suggested that Andrew’s position as the Queen’s favorite—owing to his straightforward nature and ability to lift her spirits—often shielded him from serious repercussions, a privilege not extended to her other children during their upbringing.

A Bond Forged in Laughter

The Queen’s affection for Andrew, the third of her four children, is said to have deepened because of the timing of his birth, eight years into her reign. Unlike her older children, Charles and Anne, who were toddlers when she ascended the throne, Andrew benefited from a more hands-on maternal presence. The insider recalled how Elizabeth would personally pick him and his younger brother Edward up from school or attend their sports days, fostering a closeness that allowed for such playful exchanges. Andrew’s knack for making the Queen laugh, even at her own expense, cemented his role as the family’s jester, a dynamic that contrasted with the more formal relationships she maintained with her other offspring.

This revelation comes amid a broader narrative of Andrew’s life, which has seen both highs and lows. His service in the Falklands War and early charm earned him admiration, but later controversies have overshadowed his legacy. Yet, these childhood pranks offer a nostalgic lens, suggesting a time when his antics were met with indulgent smiles rather than the scrutiny he faces today.

Reflections on a Royal Dynamic

The insider’s account has sparked a mix of amusement and intrigue among royal watchers, with some viewing it as a testament to the Queen’s warm, human side. Others speculate that Andrew’s favored status may have shaped his confidence, for better or worse, in navigating royal life. As the story circulates, it serves as a reminder that even within the walls of Buckingham Palace, family dynamics mirrored those of any household—complete with laughter, mischief, and the occasional need for forgiveness.

In conclusion, the late Queen’s experience with Prince Andrew’s pranks reveals a playful chapter in their relationship, one that highlights her tolerance and his irrepressible spirit. As this tale unfolds in 2025, it adds a layer of warmth to the Queen’s memory, showing that even royalty could find humor in the unexpected antics of a favored son.