Sandringham – Prince Andrew will likely never return to Sandringham for royal Christmas celebrations, according to royal biographer Andrew Lownie. The Duke of York, 64, reportedly declined an invitation to this year’s festivities hosted by King Charles III, citing intense public scrutiny tied to his alleged association with a Chinese businessman banned from the U.K. on national security grounds.
Lownie expressed doubt about Andrew’s future presence at Sandringham, suggesting the royal family “needs to distance themselves” to avoid further embarrassment. This sentiment reflects a broader effort by senior royals to manage public perception amid ongoing controversies surrounding the Duke.
A Christmas Apart
Photos published by The Sun showed Andrew driving alone in Windsor as other family members traveled to the Norfolk estate for the traditional celebrations. Reports also surfaced that Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, were “unhappy” about potentially sharing a cottage with Andrew during the holidays, adding to speculation that his absence was less about personal choice and more about a quiet removal.
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, also reportedly declined an invitation to Sandringham, with some suggesting she influenced his decision to stay away. The Yorks, who still reside together at Royal Lodge in Windsor, are expected to spend the holiday privately.
Enduring Scandals
Andrew’s withdrawal from the royal spotlight comes amid fresh allegations of a long-standing association with Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy. Yang was banned from the U.K. over national security concerns, and court documents described Andrew as maintaining an “unusual degree of trust” with the businessman.
Leaked emails have also revealed Andrew boasting about preferential treatment when opening an account with the Bank of China in 2008. Critics claim the Duke used the account to conduct business outside the scrutiny of U.K. authorities.
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Lownie has called for a parliamentary investigation into Andrew’s financial dealings, alleging a history of questionable transactions and secretive financial arrangements. “He’s been taking commissions off deals and scrounging money from various rulers in the Middle East for 20 years,” Lownie stated.
Future in Question
Speculation has emerged about whether Andrew might relocate to the Middle East, where he reportedly owns a property in Abu Dhabi. While such a move could shield him from media attention, experts question whether he would willingly retreat from public life.
GB News royal correspondent Cameron Walker noted Andrew’s apparent enjoyment of public attention, citing his frequent appearances and interaction with paparazzi. “He’s so thick-skinned he doesn’t realize this is terrible optics,” Lownie added.
Andrew’s reduced role within the monarchy has left him estranged from major royal events. His presence at Beatrice’s 2020 wedding, for example, was quietly managed with no official photos released.
Royal Image and Accountability
The Duke of York’s scandals continue to raise questions about transparency and accountability within the royal family. Critics, including Lownie, argue that the government has shielded Andrew from scrutiny, with Freedom of Information requests about his activities routinely blocked or met with conflicting responses.
As King Charles steers the monarchy toward modernization, Andrew’s ongoing controversies present a significant challenge. For now, his absence from Sandringham symbolizes a wider effort to distance the royal institution from its most controversial figure.
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