Prince Andrew and King Charles have been at loggerheads this year(Image: Getty Images)Prince Andrew has reportedly received an unexpected invitation to join the rest of the Royal family for Christmas at Sandringham. This may raise some eyebrows, considering the Duke of York’s status as a non-working Royal and his ongoing feud with his brother, King Charles, throughout 2024.
The brothers have been at odds over the future of Royal Lodge, with Andrew seemingly emerging victorious despite Charles’s wishes for him to leave the property. However, it appears that neither party has taken the dispute too personally, with Charles offering the chance for a brotherly reunion at Sandringham.
Yet, a Royal expert suggests that the complexities of an extended family might persuade Andrew to forego the celebrations. The Duke will likely want to spend time with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson – who is also invited to Sandringham – as well as his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their families.
Royal expert Jennie Bond speculated: “As families expand, life gets more complicated. And the Yorks now have two sons-in-law and four grandchildren to consider.
“So it is beginning to become untenable to have the whole extended Royal Family under one roof at Sandringham…especially with Camilla’s family to consider as well. However, it seems that Andrew remains keen on the traditional Royal Christmas and, even after all the controversy over Royal Lodge, he and Sarah will almost certainly be invited to share the King and Queen’s celebrations.”
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were seen alongside the rest of the Royal Family on Christmas Day last year(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)Bond insists that the King is not “a vindictive man” and will “always extend an invitation for Andrew and his family to share big family occasions”. However, it’s unlikely that Andrew will spend much time at Sandringham, instead, he’ll likely enjoy most of Christmas at Wood Farm, according to the Scottish Daily Express.
The isolated building had been suggested as a potential alternative for Andrew and Sarah to Royal Lodge. The five-bedroom farmhouse, built in the local Norfolk style, stands alone just a short walk from The Wash, a shallow bay consisting of several estuaries, deep water channels and mudflats.
Wood Farm has a Royal history dating back to the 1860s when it was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Despite being part of the Sandringham Estate, it offers perfect seclusion and was much loved by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Philip resided there from 2017 until his death in 2021 and figures like Princess Diana and the Duchess of York have stayed there during festive periods to be near their children. Kate Middleton also spent time there in the early stages of her relationship with William when they visited Sandringham.