Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson could be faced with an awkward family situation in which their daughters are allowed entry to a venue that they themselves may be barred from.
According to reports, the former Duke and Duchess of York may no longer be welcome at the renowned London social hotspot Annabel’s.
The Mayfair venue, which has welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra, Princess Diana, Mick Jagger, and other high-profile figures since its founding in 1963 by Mark Birley, has a storied history of exclusivity.
With an annual membership fee of around £3,750, insiders suggest that Andrew and Fergie could be turned away if they attempted to enter the club themselves.
An insider reportedly told the Daily Mail that the pair would be “turned away,” as their “type of notoriety is not what the club needs.”
This ban could create tension with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, both of whom are members and not affected. The insider added that the restriction could make for a “very awkward” situation at the door.
The ban would extend beyond Annabel’s to its four sister venues, including Mark’s, all owned by Richard Caring’s Birley Group.
The source explained: “Both Annabel’s and Mark’s have very public-facing entrances, so it would not be a great look for the Birley Group to have Andrew or Sarah pictured outside.”
The ban, if implemented, would mark another fall from grace for Andrew, who has lost his royal titles and long-term residence following revelations about his association with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew has consistently denied all allegations connected to Epstein since the scandal emerged several years ago, including during his infamous interview with journalist Emily Maitlis in late 2019.
In addition to reportedly losing his Annabel’s membership, Andrew could also face the loss of the Freedom of the City of London, a title he inherited through patrimony as his father, Prince Philip once held it.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation told the Sun that Andrew’s title was obtained via patrimony and that the corporation would consider any concerns raised regarding it.
A spokesperson explained: “Andrew received the honour by virtue of patrimony, which is inherited as the child of a Freeman. Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members. The City Corporation is listening and will continue to listen to concerns raised.
“And it will carefully consider the rules that govern how a Freedom is given — including the circumstances in which, and the procedure by which, it can be removed.”
Reach Plc approached Annabel’s for comment.