Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly "receiving fan mail" despite his connection to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 66-year-old is currently living at the Sandringham estate following his eviction from his former residence, Royal Lodge, earlier this year. The royal was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 19, his 66th birthday.
Support from well-wishers
The Daily Mail has reported that the mail is thought to be opened by his part-time secretary, who replies with formal acknowledgements to well-wishers. The letters, which are thought to have been sent to Marsh Farm since early April, are a rare source of support for the disgraced royal.
Andrew recently won a High Court battle after police admitted the search warrants that led to raids on his royal homes were unlawful. The former duke, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing, has not been charged with any offence.
Reputation decline
He has also seen his reputation decline over his friendship with Epstein, who died in 2019. Andrew publicly spoke about this during his disastrous 2019 interview with Newsnight.
Andrew's relationship with his brother, King Charles, was thought to be nonexistent, but the two are now said to be back in touch.
Family concerns and legal battles
Both of his other siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, are also thought to have previously visited him at Marsh Farm. The siblings are reportedly concerned about the level of emotional support Andrew has received during his ongoing exile from public life.
Since being stripped of his former title of Duke of York last year, Andrew still wants staff to address him formally. It has been reported that Andrew wants staff to call him 'Sir' or, which goes against his ban, 'Duke'.
Andrew is also comparing his own treatment to that of Prince Harry, insisting that the 42-year-old is being treated more "leniently" than he is. A 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."
Speaking on the latest episode of A Right Royal Podcast, HELLO!'s royal editor Emily Nash said that she believes she knows why Andrew is throwing all of his energy into legal cases. She said: "He has maintained throughout that he’s not done anything wrong. And you have to bear in mind that this particular arrest was on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
"That’s a very difficult crime to prove. And despite the evidence they’ve gathered, there’s yet to be a charge in this case. He clearly believes he will still be exonerated. And so he’s throwing everything at it."
Andrew is not scheduled to attend any major royal events anytime soon, and it is highly unlikely that he will step out with the royals at Christmas this year. Representatives for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have been approached for comment.
