Prince Andrew was reportedly housed away from Prince William and other senior royals during the royal family’s annual summer retreat in Scotland, signaling ongoing tensions within the monarchy.
According to RadarOnline, Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were placed at Craigowan Lodge rather than staying inside Balmoral Castle with King Charles, Prince William, and the rest of the senior royals.
“The Balmoral living arrangement is very deliberate,” a source told the outlet. “William wants nothing to do with Andrew in private or public, and doesn’t want him anywhere near his wife or young kids.”
The decision comes just weeks before the posthumous release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir Nobody’s Girl. Giuffre, who died in April at the age of 41, detailed her alleged abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates in the book, including accusations against Andrew, which he has consistently denied.
Andrew, the Duke of York, has not carried out official royal duties since 2019, when his association with Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct drew worldwide scrutiny. Although he has attempted to remain out of the public spotlight, palace insiders suggest the memoir could reignite interest in his past ties and once again drag the monarchy into controversy.
“The duke has tried to keep out of the spotlight, but this book will bring the whole sorry Epstein affair back again,” an insider said. Sources add that William has been clear about distancing the monarchy from Andrew’s troubles.
“William is a future king, and he has been very clear – he does not want the monarchy dragged into any more of Andrew’s messes,” the insider explained. “Andrew’s links to Epstein are one of the most shameful chapters in the royals’ already very colorful and questionable past.”
Reports also indicate that William is determined to modernize the monarchy when he eventually takes the throne from King Charles. Keeping Andrew at arm’s length, insiders say, is central to that plan. “William is desperate to give the monarchy a modern overhaul,” a source shared. “He wants Andrew as far away from him as possible.”
The Balmoral separation was described as not only a matter of convenience but also a protective measure. “Keeping Andrew away from him at Balmoral apart isn’t just about convenience – it’s about protecting the institution and literally stopping these two coming to blows,” the insider added. The arrangement underscores the fragile state of royal relations as the family attempts to maintain unity in the face of persistent controversies.