Queen Elizabeth II is in charge amid the controversies plaguing her favorite son Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew is in hot water for various controversies. Months ago, he made headlines due to his connections with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Just recently, the Duke of York was accused of exploiting his taxpayer-funded role as Britain’s trade envoy for 10 years to further his own financial interests and to help business partner David Rowland. However, despite all of these controversies, the Queen feels that she is still in control.

“Stung by suggestions that she has lost her grip, the Queen has insisted she is in charge of dealing with the palace fallout over the recent revelations about the Duke,” royal correspondent Richard Palmer of Express wrote.

The royal correspondent also pointed out how the monarch sticks by Prince Andrew’s side. Last summer, the Queen was photographed several times sharing a ride with the Duke of York as she made her way to a Sunday church service. Also, the mother and son were spotted together the other day.

“She and Andrew were photographed driving away from Windsor separately yesterday. She had spent her customary long weekend at the castle, her favourite royal residence, and it is thought to have seen Andrew, who lives at nearby Royal Lodge,” he added.

A few weeks ago, Prince Andrew and Queen Elizabeth II were also seen enjoying a horse ride following his controversial Newsnight interview. While some felt bad for the Queen protecting Prince Andrew, many understood Her Majesty’s decision because she is Prince Andrew’s mother.

“She’s a good leader for asking her son to step down from his Royal duties & also a good mother for NOT disowning her son,” one social media user wrote on Twitter.

According to a report, it was Prince Charles who advised Queen Elizabeth II to axe Prince Andrew from his royal duties. The Prince of Wales reportedly did it for the institution. Queen Elizabeth II’s love for Prince Andrew is undeniable, but she agreed for the best interest of the monarchy.

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew
Pictured: Princes Charles, Andrew, Her Majesty following the Queen's Birthday parade, 'Trooping the Colour,' in central London on June 15, 2013. Getty Images/Carl Court/AFP