Stripped of his royal titles and facing eviction from his Windsor home, Prince Andrew is reportedly considering a significant move away from the United Kingdom. While a relocation to Sandringham estate was previously suggested, experts now point to the Middle East as a potential destination for the former Duke of York.
A Potential Middle Eastern Exile
Royal biographers suggest that Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, might opt for a move to the Middle East. This potential exile comes as he is required to leave Royal Lodge, his home for over two decades, following King Charles III’s decision to strip him of his royal titles and duties. Experts believe a Middle Eastern country could offer him privacy and a degree of recognition he may no longer find in the UK.
Business Ties and Royal Connections
Robert Jobson, a royal author, noted that King Charles recently met with the King of Bahrain. Jobson speculated that this meeting could influence Andrew’s plans, suggesting Bahrain might offer him the “recognition of being the second son of Queen Elizabeth.” Andrew has a history of business dealings in Bahrain, and the region is seen as a place where he could maintain a semblance of his former status.
Precedent for Disgraced Royals
The idea of a royal seeking refuge in the Middle East is not unprecedented. Spain’s former King Juan Carlos I has been living in self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates since 2020, following financial scandals. Jobson commented that “other disgraced people have gone to the Middle East,” implying Andrew might follow a similar path.
Doubts About Sandringham
While Sandringham estate was initially considered a likely destination for Andrew, biographers like Andrew Lownie and Robert Jobson express skepticism. Lownie stated that Andrew “doesn’t like the sound of being on the Sandringham estate” and desires a place to “get away from everything.” Jobson added that he cannot envision Andrew on an “isolated farm in Sandringham.”
A Future Beyond Royal Duties
Andrew’s departure from Royal Lodge marks a significant shift in his life. Having been embroiled in controversy due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, he faces a future without the public royal platform. His decision on where to relocate will undoubtedly shape his personal life and influence public perception of the royal family’s handling of members facing significant scrutiny.