Prince Edward and his wife Sophie made a private visit to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at his Sandringham Estate retreat over Easter weekend, amid growing concerns for the former Duke of York's mental wellbeing, according to sources.
The visit, described as a 'brotherly welfare check', was the first time a senior royal had seen Andrew since he went into voluntary exile in Norfolk. Andrew, 66, was arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he shared confidential material with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
A source told the Daily Mail: 'Edward and Sophie had dinner with Andrew one night over the weekend and they talked things through. It’s true to say they both feel sorry for Andrew and how far he has fallen and they are worried about his fragile state of mind. They do feel for him, but of course that doesn’t excuse his behaviour.'
The source added that it is a 'difficult balancing act supporting him while not condoning what he has got involved with'. Andrew reportedly maintains he has done nothing wrong and believes he will be vindicated. Edward is said to have emphasised in public the importance of remembering the victims of the Epstein scandal.
Reports that the brothers were at odds over accommodation were dismissed by insiders, who said there was 'no bad blood' and Edward's visit was 'borne entirely out of concern'. Andrew has since moved from Wood Farm to his new permanent home, Marsh Farm, less than a mile away.
