Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, reportedly feels "abandoned" by members of the royal family and has declined an invitation from his brother, King Charles III, to attend the annual summer gathering at Balmoral Castle. Sources suggest Andrew fears he would be treated as an "outcast" among the approximately 30 family members expected to join the King.
Instead of spending the summer at Balmoral, the former Duke of York appears to be opting for time abroad with friends, according to British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard. Chard stated that while friends are checking in on Andrew regularly, he is "not hiding away."
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich indicated that concern for Andrew's feelings is secondary to ensuring he does not cause further damage to the monarchy. "Andrew isn't important anymore," Fordwich said, citing her sources. "No one is very concerned about how he's feeling."
Andrew stepped away from royal duties in 2019 following a controversial BBC interview concerning his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In 2022, he was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, amid a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre. Andrew and Giuffre settled the lawsuit out of court for an undisclosed sum in 2022. Giuffre died in April 2025.
In October 2025, King Charles III removed Andrew's remaining royal titles as scrutiny intensified following the publication of Giuffre's posthumous memoir and the release of documents detailing Andrew's association with Epstein. Buckingham Palace also formally notified Andrew to vacate the lease on his residence, Royal Lodge, with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, expected to make separate living arrangements.
On February 19, 2026, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to allegations of sharing confidential information with Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. He was released after 11 hours of police custody, and the investigation remains ongoing. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner commented that Andrew is experiencing "contempt and distancing from other senior members of the royal family." Turner suggested that Andrew's mental health is a growing concern, and his favorite pastimes, such as riding and shooting, may have been curtailed due to his current circumstances and the ongoing police investigation. He described Andrew's existence as "lonely."
Sources close to Andrew told The Sun that he feels "abandoned" and no longer part of the family. "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?" an unnamed friend was quoted as saying.
Turner speculated that Andrew's rejection of his brother's invitation might stem from a mixture of anger, disdain for Charles, whom he may perceive as weak, and arrogance. He also noted potential tension with Prince William, suggesting Andrew feels "boxed in."
Fordwich stated that there will likely be no public restoration for Andrew, especially under King Charles and potentially not when Prince William ascends to the throne. She added that if Andrew declined the invitation, it could be due to his "classic self-concern" and awareness that he is not wanted by the extended family. Prince Edward is reportedly the only royal family member who has visited Andrew.
Andrew's ex-wife and daughters are said to have "avoided" his new home, Marsh Farm, where he is reportedly living in isolation. However, one royal privilege reportedly remains: funeral plans are prepared in advance for senior royals, known as "bridge plans." Andrew's funeral service is expected to be held at St. George's Chapel, followed by interment at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore in Windsor.
Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who served with Andrew in the Royal Navy, stated that volunteers from the Navy would likely serve as pallbearers at his funeral, acknowledging Andrew's service, including his Falklands medal. Conversely, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney for Epstein's victims, argued that taxpayers should not fund a funeral for a private individual, calling it an "embarrassment to the Crown."
Buckingham Palace has not commented on the matter. King Charles III is not believed to have seen Andrew this year. Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office occurred on February 19, 2026, which was also his birthday.