The Duke of York's weekend was plunged into fresh controversy as the release of the first tranche of the so-called Epstein files thrust his connections to the convicted sex offender back into the spotlight. The documents, released by the US Justice Department, coincided with reports of a bleak Christmas ahead for the King's disgraced brother, marked by a family snub and a looming move to a downgraded home.
Epstein Files Cast a Long Shadow
Among the thousands of pages released, several photographs linked Andrew to the scandal. One image showed the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, seemingly inside royal residences. Another photo featured the late Duke's unsettling latex puppet from the satirical show Spitting Image.
This puppet was referenced in an allegation by Virginia Giuffre, who claims Andrew used it to grope her when she was 17. The Duke has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations made against him by Giuffre. While being named or pictured in the files is not an indication of wrongdoing, their publication ensures the scandal continues to haunt him.
A Festive Season of Snubs and Splits
Further compounding Andrew's woes are reports of a strained family Christmas. For the first time in two decades, he has reportedly not felt up to decorating his opulent home, Royal Lodge, for the festivities. This comes as he prepares to relinquish the lease on the 30-room Windsor mansion, a move forced by King Charles after stripping him of his royal titles in October.
More significantly, Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson will not be joining the King at Sandringham for the traditional royal Christmas. While they also stayed away last year, a new development involves their eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice.
According to reports, Beatrice has decided to avoid the difficult choice between loyalty to the monarch and her parents. Instead of attending Sandringham or spending the day at Royal Lodge, she will jet off on holiday with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and friends. A source stated, "Beatrice doesn’t want to cause any embarrassment... It was easier to go off with friends."
Royal author Andrew Lownie suggested this indicates a "fracturing of this supposedly very close family." Princess Eugenie is also reported to be making alternative plans with her husband.
Downgrade to a 'Ramshackle' New Home
Adding to the Duke's sombre mood is his impending move. It is reported that once he hands back the keys to Royal Lodge, he will relocate to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom property on the King's private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Described by one report as a "ramshackle" collection of buildings surrounded by bogland, the former working farm is a significant step down from his current palatial home. Although royal expert Jennie Bond called it a "perfectly pleasant old farmhouse" that may need renovation, the contrast is stark. The property lies about seven miles from the main Sandringham House and is now included within the estate's no-fly zone.
The cumulative weight of these events appears to be taking a toll. Andrew was recently photographed looking particularly downbeat as he drove from Royal Lodge, with experts suggesting he is attempting to "play the victim." With the Epstein allegations continuing to 'drip' out and his family circle tightening, the Duke faces one of his most isolated and controversial holiday seasons to date.
