Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who had his royal titles stripped by the King, still insists on being referred to as 'Duke' behind closed doors, according to royal sources. Following a legal victory over Thames Valley Police, the former prince is said to have regained some confidence.
Legal Challenge and Renewed Spirit
Mountbatten-Windsor became the first royal in nearly 400 years to challenge the legal system, following in the footsteps of Charles I. Those close to him believe he is not going down without a fight.
A source told the Daily Mail that the duke 'believes he is an honourable man who has been unfairly treated' and is 'determined' not to accept being a 'punchbag or a scapegoat'.
Warm Reception in Norfolk
His reception in Norfolk, his new home after being turfed out of Royal Lodge in Windsor, has warmed up, with neighbours inviting him to dinners and suppers. The events are casual, with Andrew no longer seen as a guest of honour, but are seen as a small step towards his recovery.
To add to his support, he is said to have a flow of fan mail arriving at Marsh Farm, reportedly handled by his part-time secretary. At home he still insists on being addressed as 'Sir' or 'Duke', the source added. The latter title can technically only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
Family Relations and Legal Victory
Andrew is thought to feel 'badly let down' by the King, who pushed him to reach a financial settlement with Virginia Giuffre to avoid overshadowing Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. But the former prince is not giving up on being accepted back into the royal family.
Sources say he believes that he has remained loyal to the family, unlike his nephew, the Duke of Sussex, opting not to make any of his views public. They add that this decision not to air out his dirty laundry has not gone unnoticed by senior royals. 'The wider family feels he deserves credit for not rocking the royal boat', a royal insider said.
Much of the newfound optimism comes with the police admission that it conducted unlawful searches of Royal Lodge. Andrew has argued that his home shouldn't have been searched without him or a representative present, neither should items belonging to his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have been seized. Even with the force insisting the admission was not a 'judgement' into its investigation, officers face a high bar in proving Andrew's alleged misconduct in public office.
Ongoing Investigation and Festive Test
Much of the probe centres around the former prince's decade as UK trade envoy until 2011. Thames Valley Police earlier this year further widened its investigation to encompass corruption and alleged sexual misconduct.
With Christmas just a couple of months away, a holiday routinely spent by the King and his family in Sandringham, the festive season could prove a key test for how far Andrew's attempts at reconciliation have been received. Some are thought to have 'jitters' about the optics of the family gathering in Norfolk with Andrew sidelined nearby.
