Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor once shared an unexpected ambition that had nothing to do with royal duties, according to an author who spent time with him on an overseas trade mission. The revelation comes as the former prince's life has drastically changed in recent years.
The China Trade Mission
In her new book Divide and Rule, Catherine Mayer describes accompanying Andrew on a trade mission to China, saying she was the only journalist ever permitted to join one of his official business visits. The author painted a picture of a royal she believed was often detached from everyday realities.
She wrote: "A few months earlier I had accompanied Andrew on one of his trade missions, the only journalist ever to do so. Royals are often disconnected from every day realities, but the gaps in Andrew's understanding of the world yawned startlingly wide."
Recalling one incident during the trip, she noted: "On another occasion, he demanded to know why I was barefoot." Catherine explained that she had lost a shoe while attempting to board a moving vehicle after a royal convoy departed. She said: "He had apparently never noticed that his convoys set off as soon as he was seated, leaving anyone travelling at the back of the column to fling themselves at moving vehicles. I had lost a shoe in the process. He told me, for decorum, to wear the remaining one."
Questioning His Role
According to Catherine, Andrew's presence helped bring together British business leaders and Chinese officials at a number of formal engagements. However, she suggested that many within royal circles questioned whether he was suited to his role as a trade envoy.
She said: "Any benefits to the UK came with a hefty price tag: intensive preparations, transport and accommodation for Andrew and his entourage, and four royal protection officers for the duration."
The most memorable moment came during a private conversation in China, when Andrew reportedly admitted he would rather have pursued a practical trade than life as a royal representative. She explained: "One afternoon in China, he confided to me that he wished he could have been a plumber."
Life After Royal Titles
In November 2025, the man formerly known as Prince Andrew formally lost his royal titles and the right to use the style His Royal Highness. Since then, he has reportedly lived largely out of the public eye, first at Royal Lodge in Windsor before moving to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk in April.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, whose book Entitled examined Andrew's life and controversies, believes the former royal has struggled to find direction since stepping back from public duties. Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, Lownie said: "I think he's someone who needs a discipline. I think the services were good for him. There was a focus there and and a discipline."
He added that without the structure previously provided by military and royal duties, Andrew had found himself without a clear purpose. Lownie said the former prince had become increasingly absorbed in technology and video games, claiming he now spends much of his time using flight simulators.
