Prince Andrew could 'be much more damaging outside the circle' if he were to be cast out of the royal fold

When royal family gatherings take place out of public view, Prince Andrew is still welcome. Indeed, he would like to continue participating.

'The king will not simply drive his brother adrift. He adores his nieces [Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie]. And at least [Andrew] has not been unfaithful,” the source said. 'But a return to public life is out of the question. His legal problems haven't been resolved yet, the public doesn't want him and many people still remember his rudeness last time.'

Privately, in diplomatic circles or among the provincial lieutenants, it is rarely long before the mere mention of the Duke of York prompts an eye roll and an unflattering anecdote.

A year into the new government, new details about Prince Andrew's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to emerge with embarrassing frequency. For example, in June 2023, US court cases produced email correspondence showing that the Duke of York was still communicating with the pedophile, long after he claimed (during his disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019) to have cut off all contact.

It is precisely this potential for further surprises that makes any prospect of public rehabilitation impossible in the near future.

Prince Andrew is seen walking with fanactor Jeffrey Epstein (right) in 2011.

Royal insiders emphasize two other considerations. First, Prince Andrew remains contrite and eager to please, even though he wouldn't remain so if he were cast out of the royal fold. As one source notes, “Andrew could be much more damaging outside the circle.”

Second, there are those who fear for his mental well-being. One official, who had known him for years, was amazed at the transformation in him when they met again, describing him as “almost incoherent.”

Whether he continues to live in the Queen Mother's spacious former home, Royal Lodge, is another matter.

There will be no deportation order from the King. Contrary to reports that he wanted to give Royal Lodge to Prince William (who was certainly not looking for another move), it is more likely a matter of cost.

Royal Lodge is located outside Windsor's main security cordon and requires separate protection. The King's position, according to a source, is quite simple: his brother can either pay the annual security bill of around £1 million himself – or move within the Windsor cordon, where Prince Harry's old home, Frogmore Cottage, is available.

Since Prince Andrew doesn't have a steady private income, it may make more sense to move there. Royal officials would then attempt to secure a private tenant.

Royal Lodge (pictured) is outside Windsor's main security cordon and requires separate protection

A year into King Charles' new reign, new details about Prince Andrew's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to emerge with embarrassing frequency

Previously, Prince Andrew's massive security bill – following his retirement from public life – was funded by his mother.

“Andrew was the weak one,” says a close family friend. “She was always protective of him and that definitely took a toll on her health in the end.”

Her heir, however, was less lenient. In 2019, Prince Andrew had announced he would be stepping back from his public duties, but just hours later he said he would still go ahead with a business visit to Bahrain.

Buckingham Palace initially did not intervene. While the Prince of Wales was on a tour of New Zealand, Prince Andrew had visited the Queen and secured her agreement to his plan. But as soon as dawn broke in New Zealand, the Duke's journey to Bahrain had most definitely begun. Prince Charles had made sure of that.

“When you get a problem like Newsnight that suddenly gets worse, you just have to be bold and fast,” said a senior Palace aide. “Charles knows that.”

For now, Prince Andrew can still be found driving around the Windsor estate for something to do. As long as he has a (limited) number of family events to shape his year, and the presence of grandchildren takes up some of his time, he maintains some kind of framework for life, albeit without clear direction.

He is fit, teetotal and still in his early sixties. He seems destined to remain an unanswered question for many years to come.

Adapted from Charles III New King. New Court. The Inside Story by Robert Hardman, will be published by Macmillan on January 18 for £22. © Robert Hardman 2024. To order a copy for £17.60 (offer valid until February 29, 2024; UK P&P free on orders over £25) visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937