The Duke of York reportedly grows increasingly anxious while dealing with mounting legal fees
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is said to be under growing financial pressure as he tries to manage rising legal costs without support from his brother, King Charles III.
According to royal insiders, Andrew has become “increasingly anxious” about how he will pay for legal representation after being told he must cover the expenses himself. The King has reportedly made it clear that Andrew, now considered a private citizen, should handle his own legal matters and the associated costs.
The situation follows Andrew’s arrest last month by officers from Thames Valley Police. Investigators questioned him for around 11 hours regarding allegations of misconduct in a public office. He was later released while the investigation continues, though it remains unclear whether he will be asked to return for further questioning.
Sources told The Mirror that the financial demands of legal advice and repeated interviews have become a major concern for Andrew. One insider said the burden is weighing heavily on him as the investigation unfolds.
While the King has reportedly ruled out using public funds, there is speculation that he could face pressure to help privately if Andrew cannot manage the costs on his own. Royal observers note that Charles has already assisted his brother in the past by allowing him to stay on a private estate in Norfolk.
However, palace insiders acknowledge that any personal financial support could attract criticism from the public, given the controversies surrounding Andrew in recent years. One source described the situation as “very delicate,” noting that public opinion remains strongly divided.
Andrew’s arrest on February 19, which coincided with his 66th birthday, prompted a brief statement from the King. In it, Charles said that “the law must take its course” and expressed serious concern about the developments.
The arrest followed the release of thousands of documents by the United States Department of Justice linked to the wider Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Andrew later left a police station in Norfolk in a Range Rover after being questioned, in images that quickly spread across media outlets.
Royal historians have pointed out that the incident marked one of the most unusual moments for the modern monarchy. The last time a senior royal faced arrest on such a scale was during the turmoil of the English Civil War, when Charles I of England was captured in 1647 before eventually being tried for treason.
Tensions within the royal family have grown in recent years. In October 2025, King Charles stripped Andrew of his remaining titles and honours. He was also asked to leave the 30-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate amid continuing controversy surrounding the allegations.
For now, Andrew’s immediate concern appears to be financial. With legal costs mounting and the investigation ongoing, questions remain about how he will fund his defence if the case continues to develop.
