Royal Lodge – Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have once again drawn attention, leaving Windsor’s Royal Lodge just moments before King Charles delivered his annual Christmas speech. The conspicuous timing of their departure, coupled with their absence from the royal family’s traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, has fueled speculation about ongoing tensions within the monarchy.
The Duke of York, 64, who has faced public scrutiny and scandal in recent years, opted not to attend the holiday festivities hosted by his elder brother, King Charles, at Sandringham. Instead, he was seen departing with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, around 2:45 p.m. on Christmas Day, shortly before the King’s televised address.
Ties to Controversy
This latest move comes amid a renewed wave of controversy for Prince Andrew. Allegations have surfaced about his long-standing association with Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman barred from the U.K. on national security grounds. Court documents describe the Duke of York as maintaining an “unusual degree of trust” with Yang over a decade, raising concerns about potential misuse of influence.
A spokesperson for Prince Andrew stated: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG [His Majesty’s Government] and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.”
Despite these assurances, the optics of the situation have done little to repair Prince Andrew’s tarnished reputation. His fall from grace began with his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his subsequent withdrawal from senior royal duties.
Also Read – Poisoned Christmas Cake Causes Tragedy: Three Women Dead in Brazil Family Incident
Royal Exile
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie believes Prince Andrew’s absence from Sandringham is not voluntary but a reflection of his estrangement from the royal family. “I don’t think he’s going to go to Sandringham ever again,” Lownie told The Sun. “[The royal family] need to distance themselves from him to prevent further embarrassment.”
Lownie also criticized the British government’s handling of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests related to Prince Andrew’s trade missions. He accused officials of shielding the Duke of York, likening the process to a game of “whack-a-mole.” Some requests have been met with claims that relevant documents don’t exist, while others cite high retrieval costs or exemptions under the FoI Act.
Calls for Transparency
Documents deemed “historically important” are reportedly set to be transferred to the National Archives or destroyed. The National Archives itself has faced criticism for closing previously public records related to Prince Andrew. Allegations that taxpayer-funded trips were used for private business dealings have raised questions about national security and public accountability.
Peripheral Role in the Monarchy
As Prince Andrew’s controversial past continues to resurface, his role in the royal family appears increasingly marginal. The sight of him and Sarah Ferguson leaving Royal Lodge on Christmas Day underscores their diminished standing within a monarchy striving to modernize under King Charles’ leadership.
Buckingham Palace has remained silent on the matter, but the timing of Prince Andrew’s departure from Windsor is telling. Whether an act of self-preservation or a subtle snub to his estranged family, the Duke of York’s actions suggest he remains a peripheral figure in a royal family eager to distance itself from scandal.
- History Buffs Search for Clues in Newly Released JFK Assassination Files - March 19, 2025
- Prison Officer Survives Attack by Inmate Transferred from L.A. County - March 19, 2025
- Family and Friends Search for Missing Los Angeles County Woman - March 19, 2025
