Image credit: AP
Britain’s former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted in public for the first time since being stripped of his royal titles and asked to leave the Royal Lodge, marking a rare outing amid ongoing scrutiny over his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Birmingham Live reported.The former Duke of York was photographed horse-riding on the Windsor estate, an outing that royal experts say has drawn mixed feelings from his neighbours, Prince William and Princess Kate. The couple, who recently moved into the Grade II-listed Forest Lodge just a few miles from Andrew, are reportedly maintaining a sense of responsibility for his welfare despite ongoing family tensions.Former prince Andrew has faced growing pressure over his links to Epstein. In a statement, he said, “I vigorously deny the accusations against me.” Meanwhile, his failure to respond to the US House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s interview request has drawn criticism from its members, who are conducting their own inquiry into Epstein’s associates. According to The Times, Democratic committee members recently wrote to Andrew requesting a transcribed interview regarding his long-standing association with Epstein, but he has yet to comply, fueling mounting frustration.Speaking to the Mirror, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond noted, “While there is no love lost between William, Catherine and Andrew, my understanding is that they, and the rest of the royal family, believe they still have a duty of care for his welfare and mental health. Andrew has reportedly become isolated, depressed, and solitary. It’s not his fault if photographers are ready to pounce when he ventures out, and I don’t think the Prince and Princess would begrudge him a ride around the park for some fresh air. ”Andrew is preparing to leave the Royal Lodge after more than two decades and move to a smaller residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, a change that experts say will ease tensions for the Prince and Princess of Wales. “Obviously it would be more convenient if it wasn’t on their doorstep, but they know this is temporary,” Bond added.Royal commentators suggest that King Charles may be displeased with the publicity surrounding Andrew’s outing. Bond said, “It is unfortunate that pictures of Andrew are in the press again, drawing attention away from the work the rest of the family are doing. It would be preferable if he were seen engaging in charity work or some other productive activity.”A royal insider told the Daily Mail that the photographs of Andrew riding on Windsor Castle grounds, which are taxpayer-funded, do not present a favourable image.Prince William is believed to have played a key role in the decision to remove Andrew’s titles. Andrew Lownie, author of the biography Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, told the Mirror, “From what I know of him and his father, William would have played quite an active role in stiffening Charles’ resolve. Andrew’s voluntary surrender of titles was deemed insufficient, and Charles realised the gravity of the situation, particularly after continued press coverage distracted from other royal duties.”Kate Middleton is believed to have fully supported King Charles III’s decision, distancing from Andrew in bid to protect the monarchy’s reputation. Lownie added, “They do not want further reputational damage from being linked to him.” Go to Source
