In a surprising development within the House of Windsor, the Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly extended a lifeline of understanding to the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, despite his recent fall from grace. This comes just days after the former prince was spotted in public for the first time since being formally stripped of his royal titles and facing eviction from his long-term home.
A Complex Neighbourly Dynamic
The situation is complicated by the close proximity of the royal residences. Prince William and Princess Kate recently moved into the Grade II-listed Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate, placing them just miles away from Andrew at the Royal Lodge. This follows the King's decision to relocate his brother to a smaller property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, ending his two-decade tenure at Windsor.
According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, William and Kate harbour mixed feelings about their disgraced uncle. "While there is no love lost between William, Catherine and Andrew," Bond revealed, "my understanding is that they, and the rest of the royal family, believe they still have a duty of care for his welfare and mental health."
The Royal Family's Duty of Care
Bond suggests that the Waleses are showing a level of grace towards Andrew amid reports that he has become isolated, depressed and solitary. The royal expert doesn't believe William and Kate would begrudge Andrew a horse-riding outing for fresh air, despite the unfortunate timing of photographers capturing the moment.
"It's not his fault if photographers are ready to pounce if he dares to venture out," Bond told the Mirror. "Obviously it would be more convenient if it wasn't on their doorstep, but they know that this is about to end and he will be living miles away in Sandringham."
King Charles's Displeasure and William's Influence
While William and Kate may show understanding, King Charles is reportedly less than thrilled with the renewed attention on his brother. Bond believes the monarch finds it "unfortunate that pictures of Andrew are in the press again, drawing attention away from the work the rest of the family are doing."
The situation highlights the ongoing tension within the royal family regarding Andrew's position. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie, author of "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," revealed that Prince William played a key role in strengthening his father's resolve to take formal action against Andrew, beyond the former prince's initial offer to voluntarily step back from royal duties.
"From what I know of him and his father, William would have played quite an active role in stiffening Charles' resolve," Lownie stated, adding that Kate has "fully supported" the decision to distance the monarchy from Andrew to prevent further reputational damage.
A royal source echoed these sentiments to the Daily Mail, emphasising that Andrew being photographed riding on the taxpayer-funded Windsor Castle grounds is "really not a good look" and something that won't please the King.
