Prince Edward travelled to the Sandringham Estate over the Easter weekend to check on his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with sources characterising the trip as “a brotherly welfare check.”
The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by his wife Sophie, made the journey to Wood Farm, where Andrew has been residing temporarily since early February.
This marked the first occasion any Royal Family member had visited Andrew since he retreated into what has been described as “exile” in Norfolk.
Andrew was taken into custody on February 19, facing allegations of misconduct in public office during his tenure as Britain’s trade envoy.
Prince Edward travelled to the Sandringham Estate over the Easter weekend to check on his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with sources characterising the trip as “a brotherly welfare check.”
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Those in Edward’s inner circle told the Mail he has been “deeply unsettled” in recent weeks, troubled by the allegations surrounding his brother.
While King Charles has taken a firm stance, demanding Andrew withdraw from public life and relocate from Royal Lodge in Windsor to Sandringham, Edward has reportedly assumed the quieter role of family mediator.
Speaking publicly in February before Andrew’s arrest, Edward urged people to focus on those harmed by Epstein. “I think it’s all really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this,” he stated.
Sources indicate that behind closed doors, Edward continues to stand by his brother.
Andrew, 66, continues to insist he has committed no wrongdoing and believes he will eventually be cleared, though Edward reportedly attempted to impress upon him that his time as a working royal has concluded, according to the Mail.
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During the Easter visit, Edward and Sophie shared dinner with Andrew one evening, using the opportunity to talk through the situation at length.
“It’s true to say they both feel sorry for Andrew and how far he has fallen and they are worried about his fragile state of mind,” a source revealed. “They do feel for him, but of course that doesn’t excuse his behaviour.”
The source added: “It’s a difficult balancing act supporting him while not condoning what he has got involved with.”
Andrew, 66, continues to insist he has committed no wrongdoing and believes he will eventually be cleared, though Edward reportedly attempted to impress upon him that his time as a working royal has concluded, according to the Mail.
Andrew has now relocated to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom Victorian property situated on a flood plain roughly two miles from the main Sandringham House, isolated from the surrounding area by Dersingham Bog.
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Despite reports suggesting tension over accommodation arrangements, royal sources firmly denied any friction between the brothers, insisting Edward’s visit stemmed purely from concern.
The Edinburghs typically use Wood Farm during Sandringham visits but found themselves accommodated elsewhere this Easter, initially spending time at the main house before moving to Gardens House, a holiday let on the estate.
Building work at Andrew’s permanent residence had not been completed in time for him to vacate Wood Farm before the holiday.
Andrew has now relocated to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom Victorian property situated on a flood plain roughly two miles from the main Sandringham House, isolated from the surrounding area by Dersingham Bog.
The property, empty for approximately five years before Andrew’s arrival, has undergone extensive refurbishment including new carpets, satellite television, high-speed internet and security fencing.