Royal Biographer Suggests Prince Andrew Could Seek Refuge in China
Disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, could potentially leave the United Kingdom for an unexpected destination in the wake of his dramatic downfall, according to insights from a prominent royal author. The speculation emerges as Prince Andrew faces mounting legal and reputational challenges, including the recent stripping of his royal titles and his eviction from Royal Lodge by his brother, King Charles.
Legal Troubles and Diplomatic Complications
Prince Andrew was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, though he was subsequently released pending further investigation. This development follows a series of damaging revelations from the Epstein files, which shed light on his tenure as a UK Trade Envoy and his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout these allegations.
Initially, experts speculated that the United Arab Emirates might serve as a sanctuary for the former prince, given his close relationship with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the emirate's ruler. Reports suggested that the Sheikh had offered Andrew access to a lavish, fully staffed residence within a secure diplomatic area, providing potential privacy and respect that may no longer be available to him in Britain.
Middle Eastern Options Ruled Out
However, royal biographer Andrew Lownie, who has extensively researched the York family, argues that the UAE option is unlikely. In an exclusive interview, Lownie explained that Emirati rulers value their relationship with King Charles too highly to risk upsetting the British Royal Family by harboring Andrew. "If he were to go to the Middle East, they wouldn't want to upset the Royal Family," Lownie stated. "He would have to go with the Royal Family's approval—which, if known, would be very unpopular—because their links with the King are more important than their links with Andrew."
Similarly, Bahrain, which lacks an extradition treaty with the UK, is not a viable option due to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's close ties with Charles. Lownie emphasized that Bahrain's monarch is "very close to Charles" and thus unlikely to jeopardize that relationship.
China Emerges as a Surprising Alternative
Lownie proposes that China could serve as a more unexpected bolt-hole for the disgraced royal. While stressing that this theory is based on speculation rather than concrete evidence, Lownie pointed to Andrew's significant business activities in China as a key factor. "The other option, because he's not going to go and join Assad in Moscow, is China," Lownie remarked. "Mountbatten-Windsor has 'lots of business activities' in China."
He highlighted connections such as Andrew's former secretary, Amanda Thirsk, who now works for a Chinese company, and the Chinese ambassador's attendance at Andrew's birthday party when other guests declined. Andrew has also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the past, further underscoring these diplomatic ties.
Potential Benefits of a Chinese Relocation
Lownie suggested that China could offer Andrew a degree of anonymity and freedom not available elsewhere. "I think he could go under the radar there, in a way that he couldn't elsewhere," Lownie explained. "He could get lost there, it would be a big 'two fingers' to Britain from Xi Jinping." With his passport reportedly not seized, Andrew could potentially travel around China without hindrance, using private jets to visit associates and explore the country.
Despite these possibilities, Lownie cautioned that his China theory remains speculative. "I have no evidence of any of this except my instinct," he admitted. "But that would be a place he could go." The ongoing scandals and legal proceedings continue to cast uncertainty over Andrew's future, leaving open the question of whether he will indeed seek refuge abroad or remain in the UK to face the consequences.
