Why William and Kate Haven't Been Seen in Public Lately — No, It Isn’t About the Andrew Scandal
Prince William and Kate Middleton's discomfort with Prince Andrew is complicated by the former Duke's ironclad lease on Royal Lodge.
After a busy schedule of public engagements in September, Prince William and Kate Middleton have noticeably kept a low profile in recent weeks. Given that the timing coincides with Prince Andrew's announcement that he would be renouncing his royal titles, speculation grows that they are avoiding the spotlight amid the scandal. As insiders claim the Waleses are uneasy about Andrew's proximity to their new home, their absence likely has more to do with the prep that goes into relocating, especially with their children on their half-term break.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis recently wrapped up classes at Lambrook School. The children are expected to be out of school until November 3, which may have kept the 'hands-on' parents busy as they prepared for some family time. The Waleses are also known to retreat to their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, during this time, where they enjoy plenty of countryside pursuits and family time together.
Another reason for the Waleses' absence is their upcoming move to Forest Lodge. On October 13, the Daily Mail reported that the Prince and Princess have expedited their move, which is now expected to be around November 5. A source told the publication, "The builders have been working flat out, week-in, week-out, so that the family could move in as soon as possible. Christmas was always the deadline, but it's great that it's going to happen much earlier. I think it's been quite a fun process for her...They are ready as a family to move forward."
As for the Waleses' stance on the Andrew scandal, multiple reports suggest that the Prince and Princess want to 'banish' the former Duke from Royal Lodge. Royal expert Tina Brown wrote on her Fresh Hell Substack column, "Unless Andrew can be persuaded to banish himself to a cottage on the Balmoral estate or a cushy villa on a Dubai golf course. His scowly, jowly visage will keep seeping back into the national consciousness."
William and Middleton's alleged discomfort with Andrew is complicated by the former Duke's ironclad lease on Royal Lodge, which is just 4 miles away from their new home. Brown explained, "How do you disappear a 6-foot-tall, 190-pound, 65-year-old man in robust good health who has an iron-clad contract to live in the Queen Mother's former mansion, a short neigh from Windsor Castle and just four miles from the new 'forever' home of Prince William and Kate, who can’t abide him?"
The Telegraph reported that, instead of paying standard rent for the property, Andrew has been living there rent-free under a 75-year arrangement secured through upfront payments. This casts a shadow over the Waleses' plans to have a fresh start with Forest Lodge.
