United Kingdom, May 10 -- Catherine, Princess of Wales is said to have been the first senior royal to completely distance herself from the former Prince Andrew.

As the fallout from the disgraced ex-duke's association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein deepened inside the monarchy, the future queen totally stepped away from her husband's uncle, according to royal author Christopher Andersen.

Catherine, 44, is said to have refused to engage with Andrew, 66, during family gatherings and holidays as concern grew over the reputational damage surrounding the disgraced duke.

The claims were made by Andersen during an interview with Page Six while promoting his latest royal book, Kate! The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will be Queen....