Andrew was a 'ghastly man', says former charity professional who worked with him
Louise Walsh
Sheila Bailey met the disgraced former Royal twice a year for 12 years as chair of the Royal Aero Club, of which he was president.
The Royal Aero Club is the national coordinating body for air sports in the United Kingdom.
The former Prince was released from police custody on Thursday night after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Bailey, who hails from Dundalk, Co Louth, is a former chief executive of the Ireland Fund of Great Britain and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her services to the Irish Community there. She now works on projects for several international charities.
Bailey also worked alongside the late Prince Philip on the 50th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, who she described as 'an extraordinary man.'
However, speaking about Andrew, she admitted that she had little time for him.
"I worked with him for 12 years, and he was a ghastly man," she said.
"The nicest thing I can say about him was that he was an arrogant buffoon”.
"He was rude, entitled, and threw his weight around, often making jokes at other people's expense. I couldn't stand him."
Bailey said she met him twice a year, once for dinner and once at the awards ceremony, which he walked out of once.
Speaking of the allegations of misconduct in public office, she said: "This is very serious stuff now, more serious than ever before, and I don't know if the Royal family will survive it.
"Prince William and Princess Katherine will certainly be thinking about their future and the future of their children.
"Andrew is innocent until found guilty, but the court of public opinion very much matters here. When the public starts questioning the King and other members of the family at official events, then it's clear that a line has been crossed."
