In a revelation that’s both fascinating and bizarre, a former security officer has shed light on Prince Andrew‘s rather unique affinity for stuffed animals.
According to ex-royal protection officer Paul Page, the Duke of York has maintained a staggering collection of plush toys in his bedroom at Buckingham Palace—reportedly numbering around 50 to 60.
The details, shared during the ITV documentary “Ghislaine, Prince Andrew and the Pedophile,” have captured public interest.
Page recounted his experiences from the six years he spent guarding the prince, starting when Andrew was 38.
He described a scene where dozens of teddy bears were meticulously arranged on the prince’s bed.
A humorous yet strict protocol accompanied their display, complete with laminated instructions that directed how the toys should be arranged.
If the maids failed to follow these guidelines, Page noted, the prince could become quite irate.
The instructions were apparently labeled “DOY bed,” a nod to Andrew’s title as the Duke of York.
This little detail adds an extra layer of peculiarity to the story.
Page elaborated on the instructions that included a drawing of the bears in proper formation, a must-see document for any housekeeper working in Andrew’s quarters.
The guards were informed that misplacing these cuddly companions would not end well.
Page recounted, “If those bears weren’t put back in the right order… he would shout and scream and become verbally abusive.” Imagine being a maid doing your job, only to face the wrath of a prince!
In 2010, during an interview, Andrew himself confirmed his lifelong passion for collecting teddy bears.
He shared that his travels with the Navy often led him to acquire a small bear from every place he visited—essentially accumulating a charming yet slightly eccentric collection from around the globe.
What’s even quirkier is the detailed notes that accompanied his collection.
They specified not just the toys but their placements, including two hippos and a black panther, along with three cushions ominously named “Daddy,” “Ducks,” and “Prince.” According to the notes, whenever the DOY stayed overnight, a small teddy and cushion needed to be placed just right for his bedtime routine.
Though Page himself faced legal troubles, having been convicted of fraud in a property scam, his recollections provide a unique glimpse into the eccentricities that surround royal life.
Yet, despite the somewhat subdued nature of his admittance, it shone a light on Andrew’s lightheartedness amidst the controversies of his life.
Even though neither Andrew nor Buckingham Palace has commented on these intriguing revelations, the prince’s history with stuffed animals is not entirely fresh news.
In 2019, journalist Elizabeth Day recounted her own surprise upon confronting an oversized teddy bear while waiting to interview him.
When she inquired about the large plush, Andrew reportedly laughed off the story, sharing that it was a wedding gift from Sarah Ferguson, his ex-wife.
It sounds like the memories of this gift left a chuckle that has stuck with him to this day, showcasing a playful side that contrasts sharply with his otherwise turbulent reputation.
That said, it’s undeniably curious to see how a grown man can find joy in such simple things—a sentiment that struck Day as particularly unusual.
She expressed her bewilderment at finding a prince so amused by a stuffed toy, inviting us all to ponder the quirky nature of royal life—the blend of the ordinary with the extraordinary.
As news of this eccentricity circulates, one can’t help but wonder about the other secrets that the royal household keeps.
After all, beneath the crown’s polished exterior lies a world that often surprises and ast
