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Many believed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles, would retreat from the public eye to live a quiet life. However, that scenario is far from reality.
Shortly after his move from Royal Lodge to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, the peace was shattered when police arrived at the Norfolk property to arrest the former prince. This unexpected event has stirred quite the buzz among the local residents.
The Times highlighted that the community, accustomed to the presence of the royal family, reacted with frustration to the news of Andrew’s arrest. Younger residents viewed it as a delayed action, while older residents perceived it as a “witch-hunt.”
Luke Schrier, who owns a window company, remarked to the publication, “If this were 200 years ago, he would have faced execution. It’s a national embarrassment, as this news will reach global audiences.”
Bricklayer Jamie Jackson noted the varying opinions about the royals among locals, saying, “My mom and grandmother follow them closely, but people my age, like me at 31, are indifferent. I don’t know anyone around here who supports him.”
Bricklayer Jamie Jackson added that the attitudes among locals towards the royal family differ depending on who you talk to, explaining, “My mum and my nan all follow [the royals] — anyone my age (31) doesn’t care. I don’t know anyone that supports him round here.”
Others in the area admitted that they felt sorry for the rest of the family, with one saying it was “sad” but a good thing [Queen Elizabeth II] isn’t here for this.
Prior to Andrew’s arrest, some residents were already frustrated that his move to Sandringham brought the press with him. As one person complained to The Mirror, “The press are all down there. The villagers don’t like that. It’s a quiet village.”
Another neighbor fumed over the fact that the ex-prince was shipped to Sandringham in the first place, declaring, “They’re dumping their royal rubbish on us.”
And another suggested that Andrew should have gone “someplace out in the woods, surrounded by trees and no other houses,” arguing his current residence was “too close to the road.” They added there would “always” be journalists around, saying, “I think there’s better places he could have actually gone.”
On Feb. 19, the former Duke of York was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has continued to deny any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein and was spotted leaving the police station 11 hours after he was brought in.
Following Andrew’s arrest, the Palace released a statement from King Charles that read, “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair, and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.
“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. 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. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”