A Royal Exile Deepens

Former Prince Andrew reportedly feels "abandoned" by his family as his royal exile deepens, according to a friend who spoke to The Sun and royal experts who spoke to Fox News Digital. The unnamed friend told The Sun that "Andrew feels he's been abandoned" and "he feels like he is no longer part of the family."

Andrew was invited to Balmoral, the traditional summer gathering of the royal family, but the same friend said he had no desire to go. "He was invited but has got no great desire to be at Balmoral as he has nothing to gain and would be treated as an outcast," the friend said. "What's the point, he feels, of going all the way there for a much-needed holiday and being treated as an elephant in the room?"

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that friends are checking in regularly and that Andrew is "certainly not hiding away" from them. "Rather than spending the summer at Balmoral hidden away with the rest of the family, Andrew seems to be opting for time abroad with friends," she said. "Allegedly, he feels abandoned by certain family members."

A Lonely Existence

Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner, speaking to Fox News Digital, said Andrew is feeling the "contempt and distancing" from other senior royals and is "confined to a lonely existence." Turner claimed Andrew watches a TV channel showing planes landing as one of his new methods of relaxation. He also reflected on Andrew's mental health, noting that favorite activities like riding and shooting "may have been curtailed." "His mental health will become more prevalent," Turner said. "Some of his favorite activities, like riding and shooting, may have been curtailed. The ongoing police investigation is a constant worry for him. And still, his soulmate and former wife is being distant."

Turner also spoke to The News International, which quoted him saying that Andrew's daughters, Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, have abandoned him.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoed these concerns. "Andrew isn't important anymore," she said. "No one is very concerned about how he's feeling. However, it's important to ensure he doesn't cause any more damage to the monarchy."

From Exile to Arrest

Andrew's separation from royal life traces to 2019, when he stepped away from royal duties following a controversial BBC "Newsnight" interview about his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2022, he was stripped of his military titles and patronages by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as he faced a sexual assault lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, which Andrew settled out of court. Giuffre died in April 2025.

In October 2025, King Charles III stripped Andrew's royal titles amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to Epstein. Buckingham Palace also served Andrew formal notice to surrender the lease on Royal Lodge. On February 19, 2025, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, held for 11 hours, and released; the investigation is ongoing. Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Limited Prospects

According to Fox News, several royal commentators said Andrew has no path back to public life. Royal expert Herbert said there will never be any public restoration for Andrew, "not with King Charles and certainly not when William ascends to the throne." Turner described Andrew as "boxed in" and noted his anger at his brother and disdain for Charles.

Andrew's new home, Marsh Farm, has reportedly been avoided by his ex-wife and daughters, according to The Sun. The former Duchess of York and the couple's daughters have not been spotted there.

Funeral Arrangements

Andrew remains on a confidential government list of royal family members with funeral plans prepared in advance, known as "bridge plans." His funeral service is expected to be held at St. George's Chapel before he is laid to rest at The Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore.

Beyond the legal, attorney Spencer Kavan said taxpayers should not fund Andrew's funeral, calling it "an embarrassment to the Crown." He argued that public funds not be spent on a private individual.

Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry said the Royal Navy would provide volunteers to serve as pallbearers, noting Andrew's service in the Falklands War.