Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly rejected an invitation
from King Charles to join the Royal Family at Balmoral this summer,
amid claims he fears he would be treated as an “outcast”.
According to a report in The
Sun, the King offered his younger brother the opportunity to
spend part of the traditional royal summer gathering at
Balmoral.
However, a friend of Andrew reportedly said he had little desire
to make the trip to the Scottish estate because he believes he
would feel isolated from the rest of the family.
The source claimed Andrew feels he has been “abandoned” and is
no longer considered part of the Royal Family.
He is quoted as saying Andrew had been invited but “has got no
great desire to be at Balmoral”, adding that he felt he had
“nothing to gain” from attending if he would be treated as an
outcast.
The reported invitation comes as members of the Royal Family
prepare for their traditional summer gathering at Balmoral.
Up to 30 members of the wider Royal Family are expected to join
the King at the estate over the coming weeks.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is also anticipated to spend a
weekend at the Scottish estate, as is a traditional perk of the
job.
Meanwhile, the former Prince Andrew is understood to be living
at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate after leaving Royal Lodge
in Windsor.
His relationship with the Royal Family has changed dramatically
in recent years.
He stepped back from public duties in 2019 following the
controversy surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, and
King Charles subsequently took steps to remove his remaining royal
titles and privileges.
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to
Epstein.
The former Duke of York was also arrested in February on
suspicion of misconduct in public office and was released under
investigation. No charge has been brought against him.
The reported Balmoral invitation would represent an opportunity
for Andrew to spend time with his family despite his increasingly
distant position within the Royal Family.
However, the source claimed that Andrew did not believe
attending would improve his situation.
“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 reportedly said.
The King and Andrew are understood to have remained
geographically close in recent months, with Andrew living on the
Sandringham estate while Charles has spent time at the Norfolk
residence.
