Prince Andrew ‘housed separately’ away from Prince William is ‘no coincidence’
The Duke of York faces renewed scrutiny following explosive claims in a new biography
King Charles has reportedly offered a striking gesture of support for Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson by welcoming the pair to join him at Balmoral for the royal family’s annual summer break, despite a fresh wave of controversy surrounding the Duke of York. But it seems his sleeping arrangements are very strategic – to keep him away from Prince William.
According to reports, Andrew, 65, and Sarah, 65, are currently staying at Craigowan Lodge, a seven-bedroom property nestled within the Balmoral estate.
King Charles, 76, was seen arriving at Balmoral on Monday as he begins his summer break in Scotland.
King Charles ‘joined’ by Prince Andrew at Balmoral
According to insiders, Andrew and Sarah’s presence is no accident.
“The Balmoral invitation is a huge show of support,” a royal source told The Sun.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s reported arrival at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Scottish retreat comes just days after the release of Andrew Lownie’s bombshell biography, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, and a Channel 5 documentary Andrew & Fergie: The Duke and Duchess of Excess.
Both works paint a damning portrait of the pair’s spending habits, financial conduct, and Prince Andrew’s alleged ties to international scandals.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are expected to join them at Balmoral soon, along with their young children.
Other royals expected to arrive at some point include Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, with their family.
Separation between Prince William and Andrew is ‘no coincidence’
While King Charles was gracious to invite Prince Andrew to the summer gathering, it seems he made sure to keep him away from Prince william.
It’s believed that Andrew has been placed in an entirely different building. The princes have seemingly grown distant over the years due to Andrew’s many scandals.
According to The Times: “It is no coincidence that he has been billeted under a different roof from Prince William, who is hyper-aware of the reputational damage Andrew is apparently endlessly capable of inflicting.”
Why does the royal family spend summer at Balmoral?
The royal family spending summers at Balmoral has been a tradition for many years. Queen Elizabeth II would spend each summer in Scotland as she took a break from duties. The estate offers the family the privacy to enjoy some time together, away from the spotlight.
Summer at Balmoral is one of just two annual events when the wider royal family comes together in a relaxed setting. The other is Christmas at Sandringham.
However, tensions have recently shaped who gets invited and who doesn’t.
Last Christmas, Prince Andrew reportedly didn’t attend Sandringham festivities amid his reported links to an alleged Chinese spy.
The Balmoral invitation is a huge show of support.
His public image remains damaged following accusations of having a friendship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In early 2022, Andrew also settled a US civil case out of court after facing allegations of sexual assault, which he has always denied.
Despite stepping down from public royal duties in 2019 and losing his military titles and patronages, Andrew continues to make appearances at select private family gatherings. He made a rare public appearance at the Easter service at Windsor earlier this year.
Prince Andrew scandals
The timing of the invitation has raised eyebrows given the renewed focus on Andrew’s royal future.
Author Andrew Lownie believes that Prince William has no intention of preserving Andrew’s limited royal role once he ascends the throne.
“William will do it alone [get rid of Prince Andrew]. And probably get rid of Harry as well,” Lownie told Woman’s Day recently. “Andrew knows he will receive no favours once William is king. His ambitions are now centred on his daughters becoming working royals.”
Meanwhile, journalist Richard Eden added in a recent Channel 5 documentary: “Who knows what could come out? I think the royal family still lives in fear, frankly, of what could come out.”
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment on the Balmoral claims.
Read more: ‘Decision’ Prince William may face over uncle Andrew’s royal status when he becomes king
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