King Charles is reportedly preparing to extend an olive branch to his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as questions grow over how the former Duke of York will spend Christmas in 2026.
According to a royal source speaking to RadarOnline, the King remains aware of the toll Andrew's years of controversy and increasing isolation have taken on him.
The insider said Charles is considering giving his brother the opportunity to spend some private time at Balmoral after the main Royal Family Christmas gathering has come to an end.
“His Majesty is under no illusions about everything the Duke of York has been through in recent years, or the personal impact the ongoing controversy and isolation have had on him,” the source said.
They stressed that the gesture should not be viewed as an attempt to restore Andrew's position within the monarchy or pave the way for a return to royal duties.
Instead, the invitation is reportedly being considered as a private act of kindness between two brothers.
“The King's view is that offering Andrew the chance to spend some quiet time at Balmoral, once the main family gathering has ended, is simply an act of compassion between brothers,” the insider explained.
The source added that the proposed stay would give Andrew an opportunity to leave Windsor for a while, spend time in the Scottish countryside and enjoy some privacy away from the intense public attention surrounding him.
According to the insider, Charles is also conscious of how excluded Andrew reportedly feels from the wider Royal Family, making the Balmoral offer something of an olive branch despite there being no suggestion of a return to public royal life.
