The former Duke of York has been finding refuge in Norfolk since his royal exile earlier this year.

11:43, Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Updated: 11:44, Thu, Aug 6, 2026

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could end up in Scotland this summer (Image: PA)

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been invited to Balmoral despite his embarrassing exile in Norfolk, it has been claimed. The former Duke of York has been lying low in Norfolk, where he found refuge after the latest bombshells emerged about his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew lost his titles and honours last year and was forced to vacate his home in Windsor earlier this year, right after the US Department of Justice released a new batch of the Epstein files, many of which mentioned him.

He was also arrested on his birthday, February 19, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but was released under investigation 11 hours later. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

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Craigowan Lodge

Craigowan Lodge is on the Balmoral Estate (Image: Getty)

Since then, the disgraced former prince is said to have had minimal contact with his royal relatives, with his brother, the King, reportedly not having set foot in his new home, Marsh Farm, since the scandal erupted.

But new reports now claim that the King is “acutely conscious” of his brother’s mental health and that Andrew has been invited to Balmoral so he can “play golf”.

The Daily Mail’s Epraim Hardcastle column claimed: “Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has apparently also been offered the chance of a seasonal break on the Scottish estate after King Charles departs.

“[His Majesty] is acutely conscious of the poor state of Andrew's mental health.

“Allowing him the option of using Balmoral, where he could be unseen and use the golf course, might provide a stress-free change.”

However, it is claimed if Andrew accepts, he wouldn’t stay at the actual castle, but rather at nearby Craigowan Lodge.

Andrew has previously stayed at Craigowan Lodge several times, when the late Prince Philip had banned his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, from the main house.

It is not known if Andrew will accept the invitation.