The royal behind Prince Andrew's removal

On Wednesday Prince Andrew announced he was "stepping back" from public duties, but it has now been revealed another royal had a hand in Andrew's 'resignation'.

The Duke of York made his announcement on Wednesday, following days of backlash surrounding a BBC interview where he discussed his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Branded a "train wreck", the interview left Andrew and the royal family open to criticism and public outrage, and according to sources, it was Prince Charles that decided something had to be done.

The Prince of Wales was in New Zealand at the time and called the Queen, urging her to "cut off" his brother before the scandal had a permanent effect on the family.

"This is about protecting the institution of the monarchy itself," Charles told his mother, according to a royal source who spoke to the Evening Standard.

Charles reportedly insisted Andrew, who was receiving a yearly taxpayer-funded salary of $475,000 and served as patron of several major charities, was a liability.

"There could be only one conclusion… The Duke of York had to withdraw from the fray and from public life," the source claimed.

"Obviously, both the Queen and the prince [Charles] love Andrew - but the health of the monarchy is too important to risk."

After the call, Her Majesty summoned Andrew to Buckingham Palace, where The Daily Telegraph UK reported she "effectively sacked her second-born son" from royal duties.

The Duke announced the decision soon after, writing in a statement that his mother "gave her permission" for him to step down.

Now Buckingham Palace is preparing for an "imminent" subpoena to summon Andrew to the US, where it is expected he will be required to give testimony under oath in the Epstein investigation.