Prince Andrew Seeks Solace Amidst Royal Lodge Dispute
King Charles and Queen Camilla have reportedly invited Prince Andrew to join them at Balmoral Castle this summer alongside other members of the Royal Family. This invitation comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Duke of York and King Charles over the Royal Lodge.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, claims that Prince Andrew will "obviously go" to Balmoral, stating, "He loves Balmoral." Seward explained that the retreat provides Andrew with a refuge away from public scrutiny, allowing him to spend time with his family away from "cameras and prying eyes."
The Duke of York stepped back from royal duties in 2019 following public backlash from his Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, where he discussed his friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, describing his behaviour as "unbecoming." Since then, Andrew has kept a low profile, mainly staying at his residence, Royal Lodge, where he has lived since 2003.
Seward told The Sun, "The Duke of York is quite limited as to where he can go because he obviously doesn't want to be photographed and then subsequently criticised. His world is very narrow. He does have things to do, but they're very minimal. He does have a few friends, though many fewer than before. I think what he really lacks is a purpose."
The ongoing dispute between King Charles and Prince Andrew involves the Royal Lodge, with the King reportedly wishing for Andrew to relocate to the smaller Frogmore Cottage, formerly home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Despite this, Andrew intends to honour his 75-year lease and hopes to leave the Windsor home to his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Seward added, "We know there's no coming back for him, so he has to kind of reconstruct a different sort of life. It has been said, 'Why doesn't he go and live in the north of Scotland, in some remote place?' Well, maybe that's what he will have to do."
