Andrew Windsor ‘Relieved’ as Harry and Meghan Return ‘Takes Heat Off Him,’ According to Royal Sources

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is said to be privately “relieved” that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s dramatic return to Britain is dominating royal attention as it’s taking some of the heat away from his own mounting troubles, palace sources have exclusively told Radaronline.com.

The 66-year-old former Duke of York remains under investigation after being arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his friendship with late predator Jeffrey Epstein – allegations he denies.

Andrew Windsor’s ‘Relief’

He has meanwhile reportedly continued traveling abroad, including visits to the French Riviera, as Harry, 41, and Markle, 45, prepare to spend an extended period in Britain with their children.

A royal source claimed to Radar: “Andrew is under no illusion about the seriousness of his own circumstances, but Harry and Meghan returning has completely transformed the royal news agenda. Suddenly everyone is talking about where the Sussexes will live, their relationship with the King and what happens with William. From Andrew’s perspective, having somebody else at the center of the royal storm inevitably provides some relief.”

Andrew is now based at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk after leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor after his royal titles were removed by Charles last year as punishment for his long-standing link to trafficker Epstein.

Andrew Windsor’s Position in the Royal Family ‘Changed Beyond Recognition’

He also reportedly declined an invitation to join the Royal Family at Balmoral this summer amid claims he increasingly considers himself an outsider and would have found it “embarrassing” to turn up.

Another source claimed: “Andrew knows his position within the family has changed beyond recognition. The Sussexes coming back creates an enormous new set of complications for the Palace, and inevitably that means there is less attention available for him. He would certainly rather the headlines were about Harry and Meghan than another examination of his own problems.”

Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February and remains under investigation.

He has consistently denied wrongdoing.

King Charles Issues a Shocking Statement

Charles issued an unusually direct statement following his brother’s arrest.

He said: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.”

He added: “Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.”

Andrew’s recent reported travels have included trips to the Cannes and Nice areas.

The former prince has also recently become a grandfather for the fifth time after his daughter Princess Eugenie, 36, welcomed her third child, Adelaide Elizabeth Annina Brooksbank, in Lisbon on August 3.

Inside the Bitter Feud Tearing Royals Apart

Harry and Markle’s arrival, meanwhile, promises another period of intense scrutiny for the monarchy as the Sussexes attempt to rebuild family relationships without returning as working royals.

Harry and Markle’s feud with the Royal Family began around their 2020 departure from royal duties and deepened after their move to California. Their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview included allegations about racism and their treatment within the monarchy.

Harry’s memoir Spare later exposed bitter tensions with King Charles and Prince William, including his claim that his older brother physically confronted him during an argument about Meghan.

Harry’s battle over security arrangements added further strain. He has since publicly called for reconciliation.

Relations with Charles have recently improved, but Harry and William are still reported to barely communicate as the Sussexes return to Britain.