Friends of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor say the former Duke of York feels “abandoned” by his family and has declined King Charles III’s invitation to the annual Balmoral gathering. Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News Digital that Andrew is not hiding away but is spending time abroad with friends instead of joining the summer retreat.
Family Tensions and Recent Legal Issues
According to royal expert Hilary Fordwich, Andrew “isn’t important anymore” and few are concerned about his emotional state, though she warned that the monarchy must avoid further damage. A friend quoted by The Sun said Andrew believes he would be treated as an “elephant in the room” at Balmoral and sees little benefit in attending.
Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after a controversial BBC Newsnight interview in which he tried to explain his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2022, his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, stripped him of his military titles and patronages as he faced a sexual‑assault lawsuit filed by Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre. The parties settled out of court that year, and Giuffre died in April 2025.
Recent Royal Actions
In October 2025, King Charles III removed Andrew’s royal titles amid renewed scrutiny following the release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoir and newly disclosed documents about their relationship. Buckingham Palace also issued formal notice for Andrew to surrender the lease on Royal Lodge, his longtime residence, prompting his ex‑wife Sarah Ferguson to arrange separate living quarters.
On February 19, 2026, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after an allegation that he shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. He was released after 11 hours in custody, and the investigation remains ongoing. Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Personal Impact and Public Perception
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that Andrew’s mental health appears to be suffering, noting that his usual pastimes such as riding and shooting may have been curtailed. Turner added that Andrew reportedly watches a television channel that shows planes landing as a new form of relaxation.
The Sun reported that Andrew’s ex‑wife and their two daughters have avoided his new home, referred to as Marsh Farm, where he is said to be living alone. Despite his isolation, a confidential government list of royal funeral plans—known as “bridge plans”—still includes Andrew. The Daily Mail says his funeral would be held at St. George’s Chapel with burial at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor, and that the Royal Navy might provide volunteers as pallbearers.
Public Commentary
Attorney Spencer Kuvin, who represented several Epstein victims, argued that taxpayers should not fund a funeral for Andrew, calling it an embarrassment to the Crown. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment but received no response.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
