Royals seem to be divided into two categories: those who know how to mind their aristo Ps and Qs, and those who frequently put their big size nines in it. Prince Andrew falls into this latter category having spoiled all that feelgood royal wedding news of two weeks ago after news emerged that he's been badmouthing France, the Kyrgyzstani president's son, and America's grasp of geography. Guardian newspaper reporters – or, as the prince allegedly called them, "these f***ing journalists, especially from the National [sic] Guardian, who poke their noses everywhere" – claimed that the publication of the Wikileaks cables were in the public interest. And the public are especially interested when a badly-behaved, expletive-spitting royal is involved.

Packing Andrew off on a trade mission to central Asia in 2008 would have seemed a good idea at the time, but judging by the leaked cable messages sent from Washington's ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Tatiana Gfoeller, he's stealing the crown from his famously xenophobic father in the un-diplomatic remarks department.

The prince is not only fourth in line to the throne, but is a global chief UK sales rep in his spare time, and also enjoys that quaintly debonair reputation of 'international playboy'. The less reverential have dubbed him "Airmiles Andy" and "Randy Andy". An angry UK diplomat last week was moved to add another, simpler description: "twat". For all that, another senior official said a regal title does gain him plaudits in certain quarters, especially with "the Saudis, who like a prince". The last time he was big news was because of someone else who not only liked a prince, but wanted to share that proximity. For a small sum. The News of the World sting last May on his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, was over her taking part of an agreed £500,000 bribe in return for giving a "businessman" access to her influential ex-husband. At the time, she had moved back to share his Windsor home and was in debt to the tune of £700,000. Or as she put it in the video-ed sting, "I absolutely have not a pot to piss in." It was all a far cry from when the prince introduced her into the royal family (who he refers to as "the organisation"), and they complimented her on being like "a breath of fresh air". It didn't last – on a first visit to Sandringham, she accidentally booted one of the revered corgis when curtsying to the queen.

The couple divorced in 1996, after 10 years of marriage, but remain "good friends". They have two daughters, Beatrice (22) and Eugenie (20). The 50-year-old prince dismissed rumours earlier this year that he was in a relationship with American model and actress Angie Everhart, even though she had been spotted staying at the Royal Lodge and accompanied him to his daughter Beatrice's birthday party. She had a baby in 2008, but has not made the father's name public. Relationships are always "difficult," he told one newspaper, adding testily that Everhart "lives in California, for God's sake".

For now, it looks like it's all downhill for this grand old Duke of York. Unlike for his nephew and his bride-to-be, there won't be any commemorative mugs celebrating this latest royal news. It's a lovely thought, though.