Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may not face court-imposed restrictions, but his day-to-day reality looks anything but free. The 66-year-old, eighth in line to the throne, was arrested on his birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released under investigation by Thames Valley Police. Legally, that status carries no curfew, no electronic tag, and no court-ordered restrictions on his movements. However, in reality, he’s far from enjoying his freedom.
Palace allegedly ‘isolates’ Ex-Prince Andrew, bars him from leaving home without permission
According to reports not denied by Buckingham Palace, Former Prince Andrew must seek approval before leaving the estate and may require a chaperone. Visitors, too, must reportedly receive prior clearance. The King is said to want his younger brother kept out of sight as investigations continue. Andrew is expected to move into Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom residence also located on the monarch’s privately owned 20,000-acre estate, around Easter.
Andrew now seems almost completely “isolated.” There have been no public signs of visits from his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Neither they nor their young families have been seen at Wood Farm. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, has also maintained distance. Friends say she has no plans to relocate to Norfolk, even after sharing years together at Royal Lodge since her 1996 divorce from Andrew.
King Charles III spent last weekend at Sandringham House. If the brothers met, they did it quietly and stayed away from photographers. Although Sandringham spans thousands of acres, it is crisscrossed by public roads and footpaths. Photographers and camera crews remain stationed nearby, which has reportedly discouraged Andrew from riding horses, one of his longtime pastimes.
Andrew has ensured access to high-speed internet at both Wood Farm and Marsh Farm. Reports suggest he spends time playing video games, including Call of Duty and helicopter-based war simulations. “I doubt any of them will want to socialise with Andrew unless they have been encouraged to do so by the King or William,” Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty magazine, said. “I can’t see that happening.”
