Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly insists on being addressed as "Sir" or "Duke" despite being stripped of his royal titles, according to a source quoted by the Daily Mail. The former Duke of York is said to feel "badly let down" by the King.
"He believes he is an honourable man who has been unfairly treated, and is determined not to accept being a punching bag or a scapegoat," the source told the Daily Mail.
Move to Marsh Farm
Andrew left his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor after being asked to leave. He now lives at Marsh Farm in Norfolk, a secluded home in a spot with very few residents.
On Andrew's 66th birthday in February, he was arrested by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has faced public backlash after the Epstein files were released, prompting scrutiny over his links to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Legal victory over police
Andrew is reportedly regaining some confidence following a recent legal victory over Thames Valley Police. The force admitted it had conducted unlawful searches at Royal Lodge during its investigation into alleged misconduct in public office relating to his role as UK trade envoy.
Andrew argued that the property should not have been searched without him or a representative present and that items belonging to his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson should not have been seized. Despite the force insisting that its admission was not a judgment on the overall investigation, officers now face a higher bar in proving any alleged wrongdoing.
Comparison with Prince Harry
The investigation was widened to encompass corruption and alleged sexual misconduct. A source said: "At home he still insists on being addressed as 'Sir' or 'Duke.' The latter title can technically only be removed by an Act of Parliament."
Andrew reportedly feels like Prince Harry is being treated more "leniently" than he is, the source told the Daily Mail. While Andrew has not commented much on his circumstances over the last year, except to deny wrongdoing and accusations, it is believed he feels that he has been treated unfairly compared to his nephew, Prince Harry, who quit royal life and publicly criticised members of the Royal Family.
The source told the Daily Mail: "He always has felt that his nephew has been treated leniently compared to himself, especially as Andrew has remained loyal to the throne and would never do anything that would cause trouble. That's very unlike Harry and Meg's stone-throwing and tittle-tattling across the Pond. The wider family feels he deserves credit for not rocking the royal boat."
The Daily Express has contacted Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for comment.
