Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh were left “unhappy” about plans for them to share Wood Farm cottage with Prince Andrew during the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, a source has claimed.
An insider suggested that the couple were concerned about spending the festive period “cheek by jowl with the Yorks” at the cottage, which was previously Prince Philip’s royal hideout.
However, their worries were resolved when Andrew declined his invitation amid ongoing pressure over a China “spy” scandal.
Andrew will instead spend Christmas at Windsor with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who has described herself as a “carer” looking after a “sad man”.
Prince Edward and Sophie were ‘unhappy’ about plans for them to share Wood Farm cottage with Prince Andrew
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The duke’s decision came after Sarah “encouraged and cajoled” him to stay away from the royal gathering, according to the insider.
It was initially thought his choice was made easier as daughters Beatrice and Eugenie were planning to spend Christmas with their in-laws rather than at Sandringham.
Princess Beatrice has since executed a royal U-turn by announcing she will join King Charles at Sandringham following medical advice not to travel overseas.
The Edinburgh’s were disappointed last year when they were “effectively given the servants quarters” in Norfolk during the royal Christmas gathering, according to the insider.
The source claimed Edward and Sophie were ‘relieved’ when Andrew ultimately decided not to attend the festivities
PA
This year’s allocation of Wood Farm was seen as a “step up” by the couple.
However, they remained unhappy about the prospect of sharing the accommodation with Prince Andrew.
The source claimed that Edward and Sophie were “relieved” when Andrew ultimately decided not to attend the royal Christmas festivities.
Andrew also withdrew from other royal events, including a pre-Christmas lunch for royals at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
Prince Andrew said he ‘ceased all contact’ with the alleged spy after concerns were raised and denies any wrongdoing
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The duke faces mounting pressure following revelations about his links to Chinese “spy” Yang Tengbo.
The Royal Household is currently investigating claims that Andrew took Tengbo to both Buckingham Palace and Windsor.
Prince Andrew said he has “ceased all contact” with the alleged spy after concerns were raised and denies any wrongdoing