Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may be living a far more comfortable and unrestricted life than the public has been led to believe, according to recent commentary about his situation behind closed doors.
While Andrew is rarely seen at official royal events and is widely viewed as being excluded from public life, reports suggest his private routine has not changed as dramatically.
News24 presenter Gabriella Power, citing claims made by Entitled author Andrew Lownie, described the arrangement as an “establishment fudge.”
“Andrew Lownie is basically saying it’s a bit of an establishment fudge, that Andrew has pretty much got his normal life, albeit not publicly,” she said.
According to the claims discussed by Power, Andrew can still “come and go as he pleases from Sandringham,” ride his horse and travel internationally. She also referred to a reported trip to France to visit a horse-breeding facility.
“He’s still got his passport,” Power said. “He’s got a fair bit of freedom.”
Power added that she was not particularly surprised Andrew had retained his passport, noting that although he had reportedly been arrested on his 66th birthday, he had not been charged.
She suggested King Charles may believe it is better to keep his younger brother nearby, where his activities can be more easily monitored.
“In a way, Charles sort of has to keep him on a leash, albeit a longer one, just to see what he’s up to because he’s still a loose cannon,” she said.
Power argued that Andrew’s public isolation may not fully reflect his position within the royal family.
“Publicly, he’s seen to be ostracised, but really, in private, he’s still there so they can keep an eye on him,” she said.
She also acknowledged the complicated personal relationship between the brothers. While Charles may not want close involvement with Andrew, Power noted that the former royal remains a member of his family.
“At the end of the day, it’s still his brother,” she said. “So, better to keep him within some sort of distance so we can see what he’s up to.”
Power described reports of Andrew continuing to enjoy a privileged lifestyle as a “bad, bad look” for the monarchy.
She said questions remain over Andrew’s past relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the allegations connected to Virginia Giuffre. Andrew reached a civil settlement with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Power also referred to accusations that Andrew shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade and investment. These claims remain allegations.
She warned that any perception of Andrew continuing to enjoy a protected and comfortable life could create further problems for King Charles.
“If he’s still got this pampered lifestyle in the background, it looks difficult for Charles,” she said, arguing that the King faces pressure from a public that wants Andrew held accountable while also navigating an establishment that may wish to avoid further legal proceedings and damaging scrutiny.
