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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been seen examining horses near his Norfolk residence, despite reports of a ‘riding ban’ following his arrest last month.
The former Duke of York was allegedly advised to give up horse riding, a beloved hobby, amid concerns from aides that it might not be appropriate for him to be seen enjoying leisure activities while under investigation for public misconduct.
Nevertheless, this supposed restriction has not deterred the embattled royal from engaging with the equestrian pastime. He was observed near his home on King Charles’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk yesterday, taking a keen interest in the horses.
Accompanied by his security guard, Andrew was seen near Wood Farm, where he currently resides, inspecting the animals. He appeared to be enjoying the pleasant spring weather, gesturing toward the horses during his walk through the fields.
He was spotted pointing at the horses as he made the most of the spring weather while taking a stroll around some fields yesterday afternoon.
Andrew is currently under police investigation for allegedly leaking secrets to paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein during his time in public office.
Yesterday, reports claimed the FBI investigated the former Duke over claims he sought young girls for sex during a taxpayer-funded royal tour. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor inspects horses near his home in Norfolk yesterday
Andrew looks at the horses after it was reported he received a ‘riding ban’ by concerned aides following his arrest last month
Andrew inspects the animals with his security guard near Wood Farm, where he is currently staying
Next month, Andrew, 66, will move into Marsh Lodge, a five-bedroom bolthole shielded from public view by a 6ft fence.
He had a second-hand static caravan delivered to his current home a few days ago, which has been propped up on bricks in his back garden, bearing signs of moss.
The caravan – a £26,000 Willerby Meridian Lodge – was paid for using money his brother, King Charles, gave him for ‘living expenses’ and it will house his security detail as there is not enough space in his main Norfolk home.
The standard model is a two-bedroom unit that is also decidedly no-frills on the inside. With brown or grey carpets, vinyl flooring, and faux-wood countertops throughout, it also features a compact kitchen with a metal sink and a small, grey-painted living area.
One source said: ‘Andrew uses it himself, would you believe, and what’s more shocking is, he likes it. He really is a changed man; he’s enjoyed sitting in the caravan. It’s novel for him.’
Another added: ‘People thought the caravan was for his staff, but he doesn’t really have any. The staff who work elsewhere at Sandringham already help out, but many are reluctant to live in.’
Andrew on horseback on the grounds of Windsor Castle earlier this year
A mobile home at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate. It was delivered to Andrew’s Norfolk home by a lorry and has been placed in his garden
Sources said the caravan has been handy for Andrew to use during site visits to Marsh Farm, which is still being extensively renovated in preparation for his arrival.
He is currently living a mile and a half away at Wood Farm, the bolthole of his late father, Prince Philip.
Insiders said he is reluctant to leave until Marsh Farm is up to his ‘standards’, to the exasperation of Charles who would like Wood Farm back for ‘overspill’ accommodation for Sandringham guests.
The source added: ‘Marsh Farm has needed rewiring and plastering and there was even talk of asbestos – it’s not in a fit state for him yet. Meanwhile, Andrew wants the best of everything and the process is painfully slow.
‘But he needs to be out soon, and the King would have no qualms about pushing him out of Wood Farm if it was needed for overspill. Andrew might end up sleeping in that caravan if he’s not careful.’
Before moving to Sandringham a few weeks ago, Andrew was regularly seen horse rising around Windsor.
Charles finally kicked his brother out of Royal Lodge hours after he was seen smiling and waving at the public amid continued outrage over his links to Epstein.
Andrew was seen cheerily greeting members of the public as he rode his horse near Royal Lodge on January 31 and was then seen waving while at the wheel of his Range Rover two days later.
Insiders suggested the photographs may have been the ‘final straw’ in what has been a turbulent few months for the shamed former royal.