Queen Elizabeth has reportedly backed Prince Andrew in his row with Prince Charles about a streamlined monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth

It has been claimed Andrew had written to his mother to express his concerns that his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were being phased out by Charles, who apparently believes only the top tier of the royal family should appear in public for official duties and celebrations.

And it seems as if the 90-year-old monarch agrees with him and thinks the girls should play a more important role.

A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "The queen adores the girls and is keen for them to have some kind of a role.

"Charles' vision for a streamlined family is all very well, but how can the royal family do everything it currently does with just five players?"

According to reports, Andrew wants Beatrice, 28, and 26-year-old Eugenie to be given state funding as well as official royal duties.

He also reportedly requested his daughters be given accommodation at Kensington Palace along with Prince William and Duchess Catherine and Prince Harry, rather than rented accommodation at St James's Palace.

However, Charles - the heir to the British throne - is reportedly determined for a more intimate monarchy with only the most immediate members of the royal family getting royal status and financial support.

And it is causing tensions between them.

A source revealed: "The row between Andrew and Charles is not pleasant. It has been going on for many years and it all comes down to Andrew feeling that he and his family are being phased out."

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