Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has become increasingly obsessed with video games following his removal from royal duties, according to royal author Andrew Lownie. The once second-in-line to the throne lost his titles and HRH status in November 2025, and has since been living in internal exile, first at Royal Lodge and now at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
Loss of Purpose
Lownie, whose book Entitled contributed to Andrew's downfall, told the Palace Confidential podcast that the former prince has lost all sense of purpose. "I think he's someone who needs a discipline," Lownie said. "The services were good for him. There was a focus and discipline." Without that structure, Andrew drifts through his days playing video games, particularly flight simulators and Call of Duty.
Fascination with Flight Simulators
"He's absolutely fascinated by simulations of planes landing – going back to his pilot training," Lownie revealed. The former royal also spends hours playing the first-person combat game Call of Duty.
Real-Life Incident
On May 6, 2026, Andrew was confronted by a stranger while walking his dogs on the Sandringham Estate. Norfolk Police arrested a 39-year-old man, Alex Jenkinson, on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon. Jenkinson has been charged with two counts of using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. He was released on conditional bail, ordered not to enter Norfolk, contact Mountbatten-Windsor, or approach within 500 meters of major royal estates.
Life in Exile
Andrew rarely leaves Sandringham and is seldom seen in public, except occasionally on horseback near Marsh Farm. His reduced income means his days of extravagant travel are over. The loss of his rank stems from his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which he has consistently denied.
