‘Cold’ Royal Family gesture towards Andrew ‘underlines just how far he has fallen’

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s festive arrangements demonstrate “just how far” the discredited former prince “has fallen”, according to a journalist.

The ex-Duke of York will mark Christmas at Royal Lodge for the final time before he and former spouse Sarah Ferguson relocate. However, the occasion is expected to be a fairly isolated affair for the ostracised royals.

Andrew was not invited to the yearly pre-Christmas gathering for wider members of the Royal Family, despite his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie both being in attendance.

The Daily Mail’s Barbara Davies observed: “The absence of an invitation to the monarch’s annual pre-Christmas bash for the extended family – including Andrew’s daughters – coldly underlines just how far the erstwhile Duke of York has fallen over the past 12 months.”

Neither Andrew nor Sarah have been asked to join the Royal celebrations at Sandringham, reports the Mirror.

The King’s brother and his ex-wife had previously been permitted to participate in the customary Christmas Day walk at the Norfolk residence, notwithstanding Andrew’s links to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Last year, however, they tactfully excused themselves owing to Andrew’s connection with a Chinese businessman whom security services have alleged to be a spy.

Last October saw the announcement that Andrew would lose his prince title, whilst preparations began for his departure from Royal Lodge, the sprawling 30-room residence he’s occupied on the Windsor estate. He and his former wife must leave the property by the conclusion of next October.

Andrew maintains his innocence regarding any allegations linked to his association with Epstein. Already stripped of most of his titles, the 65 year old was discreetly relieved of his final honorary military position this week.

The ex-naval helicopter pilot faced the humiliation of being demoted to commander (retired) within the Royal Navy.

In the lead-up to Christmas, Andrew has also been compelled to permit Crown Estate representatives and Royal Collection personnel – responsible for safeguarding the nation’s extensive art collection – to examine the residence.

A Royal Household vehicle has already been spotted transporting belongings to a Windsor storage location.

Andrew has resided in the extensive property for 22 years under a peppercorn rent arrangement, which is a token payment necessary in a lease to ensure its legal validity.

Royal Lodge is believed to be in such poor condition that Andrew may forfeit a £500,000 payment upon his departure.

The Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English noted: “The suggestion is that the entire half a million pounds that he could have got back for having to leave his lease early could be swallowed up by the repairs.”

And in another blow to the embattled Andrew and Sarah, neither of their daughters is set to visit Royal Lodge this year either.