Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly rejected an invitation from King Charles to join the Royal Family at Balmoral this summer, amid claims he fears he would be treated as an “outcast”.
According to a report in The Sun, the King offered his younger brother the opportunity to spend part of the traditional royal summer gathering at Balmoral.
However, a friend of Andrew reportedly said he had little desire to make the trip to the Scottish estate because he believes he would feel isolated from the rest of the family.
The source claimed Andrew feels he has been “abandoned” and is no longer considered part of the Royal Family.
He is quoted as saying Andrew had been invited but “has got no great desire to be at Balmoral”, adding that he felt he had “nothing to gain” from attending if he would be treated as an outcast.
The reported invitation comes as members of the Royal Family prepare for their traditional summer gathering at Balmoral.
Up to 30 members of the wider Royal Family are expected to join the King at the estate over the coming weeks.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is also anticipated to spend a weekend at the Scottish estate, as is a traditional perk of the job.
Meanwhile, the former Prince Andrew is understood to be living at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate after leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor.
His relationship with the Royal Family has changed dramatically in recent years.
He stepped back from public duties in 2019 following the controversy surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, and King Charles subsequently took steps to remove his remaining royal titles and privileges.
Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
The former Duke of York was also arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was released under investigation. No charge has been brought against him.
The reported Balmoral invitation would represent an opportunity for Andrew to spend time with his family despite his increasingly distant position within the Royal Family.
However, the source claimed that Andrew did not believe attending would improve his situation.
“He was invited but has got no great desire to be at Balmoral as he has nothing to gain and would be treated as an outcast,” the friend reportedly said.
The King and Andrew are understood to have remained geographically close in recent months, with Andrew living on the Sandringham estate while Charles has spent time at the Norfolk residence.
