Prince Andrew may seek refuge in Abu Dhabi amid royal fallout
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor may have been stripped of his title as a prince – but could he succeed as a sheikh?
Now that the former prince has been unceremoniously removed from the Royal Lodge, many experts believe he will end up in the Middle East, away from the media investigating his past activities.
Historian Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said: ‘He would be happy living somewhere where the media is restricted, where he will still be regarded as a senior royal, and where he can easily live under the radar.
‘His personal relationships with young women are not likely to be scrutinized in Abu Dhabi.’
Royal biographer Andrew Morton told Times Radio: ‘I would predict that, if we’re speaking about this time next year, Andrew will probably live somewhere abroad.’
One of his options if the scandal doesn’t dissipate soon and he chooses to leave Sandringham could be Abu Dhabi – thanks to his longstanding friendship with its ruler Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 64, also known as MBZ.
The pair bonded when Andrew visited the United Arab Emirates through his role as a trade envoy in the early 2000s.
According to The Sun, Mr. Windsor has been offered a 16,000 sq ft palace from the Emirates’ billionaire ruler.
The six-bedroom palace has an indoor gym, pool, cinema, and a kitchen staffed by cordon bleu chefs 24/7.
The site lies within the walls of a heavily guarded complex where other sheikhs and ministers live surrounded by a 30ft hedge.
A worker at one of the palaces told The Sun: ‘The whole area is private and very secure. The public is not allowed in and there are cameras which log every vehicle that approaches.
‘The area is effectively under the radar.
‘We have not heard anything official yet about Andrew moving in but he would enjoy it here because it is very private.’
Even his daughter Beatrice, who retained her princess title, was pictured at an investment summit in Saudi Arabia recently.
Her family has long-held ties to the Middle East and she also appeared in a promotional picture for a UAE bank as the sword fell on her father. They are all known to enjoy the F1 Grand Prix held there.
A source said: ‘Abu Dhabi’s royal family has made it clear to Andrew that the palace is his if he wants it. It gives him an option should his position in the UK become untenable.
‘He has come under enormous pressure following recent developments and the King and Prince William are nearing the point where they’ve had enough.’
World Affairs Correspondent
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