Prince Andrew Joins King Charles at Balmoral — but the Monarch Keeps His Distance Amid Allegations
Trigger warning: This article contains themes of sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing
The Royal Family’s annual summer holiday at Balmoral has begun with an awkward dynamic going on, while Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have been invited to stay on the estate by King Charles, the monarch is said to be keeping his distance from his younger brother.
The disgraced Duke of York, who continues to face scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations detailed in a scathing new biography, has reportedly been welcomed back to Craigowan Lodge, a seven-bedroom retreat on the Balmoral estate. A source on Royal Deeside told the Daily Mail, “Andrew arrived at Balmoral on Friday. He was on his own, with none of the security he used to have. He is believed to be staying at a lodge on the estate.” The source added that Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, along with their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are expected to join him later this week.
Most controversially, Lownie had alleged that the late Queen Elizabeth II was aware of Andrew’s questionable financial dealings and chose not to intervene. “This is what shocked me, the cover-up from the Palace,” Lownie told The Times. “They knew exactly what was going on. People are not going to like it, but the Queen was colluding in this. I originally thought she just put her head in the sand. But I increasingly have come to the view that she knew exactly what was going on and allowed it to happen.”
Prince Andrew’s finances, Lownie contends, have long been surrounded by unanswered questions. How were the millions needed to refurbish and maintain Royal Lodge secured? Who ultimately footed the bill for the multimillion-pound settlement paid to Virginia Giuffre? And what about the £750,000 from Turkish millionaire Nebahat Isbilen, money reportedly intended as a wedding gift for Princess Beatrice, that was first deposited into Andrew’s account before later being repaid?
However, King Charles appears determined to maintain a careful distance. Though he received his formal welcome at Balmoral Castle this week, wearing a tweed jacket and tartan kilt as he inspected a Guard of Honour from the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, a source reportedly said that the King intends to spend much of his summer holiday at Birkhall, his beloved private retreat nearby. “It remains to be seen whether Andrew spends any time at all with his brother,” the source added.
This contrasts with Andrew’s absence from Sandringham last Christmas, when he “honourably withdrew” from joining the wider family to avoid being a distraction after fresh allegations surfaced, including his links to an alleged Chinese spy named in a High Court judgment. Despite the controversy, a royal insider told The Sun that Andrew’s presence at Balmoral still represents a “huge show of support.”
For King Charles, however, the optics continue to be a tough balancing act. By welcoming Andrew onto the estate but keeping his personal distance, the monarch is playing it safe.
If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)