The Royal Family have been urged to break a royal 'rule' that has been in place for years to reduce further damage to the monarchy caused by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's scandals. A royal expert believes that the Royal Family, which has typically followed the well-known "never complain, never explain" rule, should now make Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor speak out about his past friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has continued to appear in the Epstein files, showing how his association with the convicted paedophile lasted longer than he once claimed in his interview with BBC Newsnight. Emails also show how friendly the pair were with one another, speaking about meetings at Buckingham Palace and Andrew wanting to be Epstein's "pet".

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing or accusations against him, and appearing in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing.

While Andrew, 65, has stayed silent on his appearance in the recently released Epstein files, this may not be the best approach, a royal expert has said, as members of the Royal Family, including King Charles and Prince William, have been heckled about the scandal during public appearances.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond now believes it is time for Andrew to explain his past friendship with Epstein, or lose the lifestyle he will have funded by King Charles at Sandringham.

Writing in The i Paper, Jennie Bond said: "But perhaps the time has now come for the royals to 'complain' publicly to Andrew that his past behaviour, and indeed his present cocky attitude, is damaging the monarchy.

"And they should 'explain' to him that unless he agrees to tell the American authorities all that he knows about Epstein, he cannot expect to be fed, watered and housed for life at his brother's expense."

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"Never complain, never explain" has been a well-known royal phrase for many years and is often used to describe the approach Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, would take to royal scandals.

This week saw both King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales issue statements on the ongoing drama surrounding Andrew's association with convicted paedophile Epstein.

While William and Catherine pleaded for the focus to remain on the victims, the King's statement explained that the Palace would assist the police with their inquiries if approached.

The statement from Buckingham Palace explained: "While the specific claims in question are for Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police, we stand ready to support them as you would expect."

Andrew has not released any comment about the latest release of the Epstein files. Instead he has kept a low profile at Wood Farm, the temporary home he is staying in on the Sandringham Estate, and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.