The storm cloud hovering over the Royal Family shows no signs of clearing, with Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at its centre. Despite being stripped of his titles and preparing to vacate Royal Lodge, questions about his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein persist.
Recently, the US Congress called on Andrew to shed light on his relationship with the late paedophile as part of the House Oversight Committee’s probe into the disgraced financier.
Even Prime Minister Keir Starmer weighed in, suggesting Andrew should cooperate as a witness. Yet, after the two-week deadline set by the Committee for Andrew to respond came and went, the King’s brother has kept mum.
It’s believed that Andrew is relocating to Sandringham, the King’s private estate in Norfolk. This sprawling 20,000-acre property, boasting around 150 buildings that Andrew could soon call home, is traditionally where the Royals gather for Christmas.
However, the scandal-hit former duke won’t be joining the festivities this year, reports the Mirror.
But it seems Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, aren’t the only ones giving the Royal Christmas a wide berth. In a significant revelation about the House of Windsor’s Yuletide plans, Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, announced he’ll also be sitting out this year’s celebrations.
When quizzed by the Daily Mail about his Christmas Day plans, he revealed: “I’m not. Nor is my sister. It’ll be every other year, one year on, one year off.”
This marks the second consecutive year that Andrew and Fergie won’t be present, following last year’s controversy surrounding the former duke’s connections to alleged Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo. Despite Yang Tengbo denying claims of being a spy, Andrew was reportedly labelled a “national security risk” by security services.
Andrew is rumoured to be relocating to the Sandringham Estate in the New Year, however, recent reports suggest he could remain in Royal Lodge until October 2026. Allegedly, some delays have arisen as the King’s brother has been negotiating rigorously to ensure his new residence meets his requirements.
This reportedly includes a full staff roster, comprising a driver, a cook, and security, along with a demand for at least “six or seven bedrooms”.
This news comes as Sarah and Andrew are reportedly due to attend a significant Royal event this week, potentially leading to an awkward encounter with Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate. They are expected to emerge from their exile on Friday to attend the christening of their granddaughter.
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