Duke of York excluded from Sandringham gathering amid fresh scandal and mounting scrutiny
Prince Andrew’s role within the royal family appears increasingly tenuous as King Charles III reportedly instructed the Duke to exclude himself from the traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham Castle.
According to sources, Sarah Ferguson was tasked by the monarch with delivering the difficult news, following Andrew’s latest controversy involving a close confidante allegedly acting as a Chinese spy. This national security issue has compounded the Duke’s already damaged reputation, stemming from allegations of misconduct and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Royal author Andrew Lownie suggested that Andrew’s absence could mark a permanent shift. “I don't think he's going to go to Sandringham ever again,” Lownie told The Sun. “The royals need to distance themselves from him to avoid further humiliation.”
Royal correspondent Cameron Walker echoed these sentiments, describing Andrew’s exclusion as a deliberate move to prevent further public relations disasters for the family. “Had there been no confirmation, speculation over Andrew attending would have overshadowed Christmas morning,” Walker noted.
While Andrew remains at the Royal Lodge with Sarah Ferguson, their daughters are spending Christmas apart. Princess Beatrice joins King Charles and the royal family at Sandringham, while Princess Eugenie is celebrating with her in-laws abroad.
The Duke’s continued absence from key royal events reflects the family’s efforts to protect its image and draw a clear line between itself and Andrew’s ongoing controversies.
