Prince Andrew’s decision to skip the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham marks a significant development in his ongoing estrangement from the family. The Duke of York was seen walking alone near Windsor Castle on Sunday afternoon, choosing to stay away from the festive celebrations with the rest of his relatives. Instead, he will be spending the holiday with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, at the royal lodge, the £30 million estate where they still reside together. However, it will be a solitary Christmas for Andrew, as even his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will not be joining him. Beatrice will be with the king and other family members, while Eugenie will celebrate with her husband’s family.
The decision to stay away from Sandringham appears to have been made by Andrew himself. Former royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggested that Andrew likely discussed the situation with Ferguson and possibly his daughters, and decided it was best for him to not attend. His presence at the family gathering could have added to the already tense atmosphere, especially following recent family disagreements, such as his clash with King Charles over his residency at the royal lodge. While King Charles would have found it difficult to uninvite his brother, Andrew’s self-imposed absence may have spared him from that uncomfortable position.
The growing distance between Andrew and the royal family is largely due to his past scandals, particularly his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Despite Andrew’s denials of any wrongdoing, the scandal severely damaged his public image and has led to his gradual removal from public life. His more recent association with businessman Yang Tengbo, who allegedly has ties to Chinese intelligence, has further tarnished his reputation, making him a continued liability for the monarchy. Reports suggest that Andrew is even considering relocating to the UAE as a way to escape the ongoing backlash.
Andrew’s decision to step back from family events like Christmas at Sandringham highlights his diminishing role within the royal family. It signals a moment of self-reflection on his part, as he acknowledges the broader family tensions and the public criticism he continues to face. This choice also underscores the monarchy’s ongoing efforts to distance itself from Andrew’s controversies.