Ex-Prince Andrew is reportedly living a much more private life at Sandringham House, where insiders say he spends much of his time playing military-style video games and flight simulators after stepping away from royal life. Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, moved to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk earlier this year after leaving Royal Lodge.
Ex-Prince Andrew ‘spends huge amounts of time absorbed’ in military-style video games, per insiders
According to royal author Andrew Lownie, the former duke appears to have struggled with the sudden loss of structure and public purpose. Lownie, whose book Entitled explored Prince Andrew’s downfall and changing place within the monarchy, believes the former royal thrived most when he followed routine and discipline.
“I think he’s someone who needs discipline,” Lownie reportedly said, pointing to Andrew’s years in the armed services as a period when he seemed more focused and grounded. That connection to his military background may explain why Andrew has reportedly developed a strong attachment to flight simulators and combat-style games. Lownie claimed the former royal has become fascinated by realistic plane-landing simulations and spends long stretches playing military shooter games such as Call of Duty.
One insider familiar with Andrew’s day-to-day routine described the contrast between his current life and his former status inside the Royal Family as “surreal.” “This was somebody who once moved constantly between palaces, international tours, elite dinners and private meetings with presidents, diplomats and billionaires,” the source claimed. “Now his entire routine revolves around a very limited existence inside Sandringham with only a handful of aides, protection officers and close staff around him.”
According to the insider, Prince Andrew’s interest in gaming is more than just entertainment. “He now spends huge amounts of time absorbed in flight simulators and military combat games because they allow him to mentally reconnect with periods of his life when he still felt respected, useful and important,” the source alleged.
