The Andrew issue just refuses to go away and this week, the disgraced prince reportedly made a moonlight flit to Sandringham, finally packing up his Royal Lodge home and heading to Norfolk.
It’s understood he’s temporarily residing in Wood Farm – a five-bed cottage on the Sandringham Estate, where Prince Philip previously lived in retirement – while he waits for his own cottage, Marsh Farm, to be ready.
Andrew’s exit was undoubtedly hastened by the release of thousands of Epstein emails which have been dominating the headlines as journalists painstakingly go through them. They included a photo of him crouching over a woman on the floor and police are reviewing new allegations Epstein sent a woman to Andrew in the UK, for a sexual encounter at his home.
So what do the Royal Family do now? The King was heckled about the issue during a visit to Dedham, near Colchester, on Thursday, when an onlooker shouted questions about Andrew and Epstein. Charles appeared not to hear and didn’t answer. According to The Telegraph, copies of the photo had been printed out and scattered over the pavements overnight, with the message, “The Royal Family should not be above the law”.
The released files also showed the close relationship Epstein had with Andrew’s ex, Sarah Ferguson, to whom he lent money. In an email from her in 2010, she calls him “a legend” and the “brother I have always wished for”, adding, “Just marry me.” She had previously offered him VIP tours of Buckingham Palace. The documents also reportedly show she visited Epstein five days after he was released from prison for sex offences, taking Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, with her and in 2010, inviting him to Andrew’s 50th birthday party.
Her charity Sarah’s Trust has announced its closure for the foreseeable future and it’s not known where she is living, currently. Or – as Maria is particularly worried about – where the Queen’s corgis, Sandy and Muick are.
So… what happens next? Andrew is facing increased pressure to give evidence to US officials about his relationship with Epstein. In the meantime, the King and Prince William have so far made no comment and Prince Edward is the first senior royal to speak. Talking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, a CNN journalist asked how he was coping with the fallout from the Epstein emails, to which he replied, “I think it’s all really important, always, to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales on Instagram: “A message from …
It was World Cancer Day on Wednesday and both the King and Princess of Wales shared their heartfelt messages to those facing diagnoses. Releasing footage from her previous visit to The Royal Marsden hospital, Catherine said, “Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them. As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness and profound connection. Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”
Similarly, the King posted a video asking everyone to join him in finding a place in our hearts, “for the hundreds of thousands of people across our United Kingdom who receive a cancer diagnosis each year and for the millions more who love and care for them. Throughout my own cancer journey I have been profoundly moved by … the community of care that surrounds every cancer patient.”
The controversial coin. Pic: Royal Australian Mint
We’re sure the Royal Australian Mint had the very best intentions with the release of two new coins marking the late Queen’s 100th birthday. But they are causing a bit of stink Down Under, with critics calling the image of Queen Elizabeth II “hideous’ and the Queen “looking nothing like that” or like “Shrek”. With 35,000 coins minted, a beleaguered spokesperson confessed that images “don’t always capture the full beauty of a design once it’s etched in metal”.
The King’s Foundation on Instagram: “Welcome to Cluckingham Pal…
If you haven’t caught Charles’s documentary, Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, on Amazon Prime, you’re missing a real treat. A heartwarming scene, now shared on social media, shows a glimpse of life at Highgrove House with the King caring for his rescue chickens and collecting eggs from their coop called Cluckingham Palace. Did you know, Charles rehomed the one millionth hen rescued by the British Hen Welfare Trust, naming her Henrietta. From Chuck to chuck – it must be love!
Love is in the heir: Pic People.com
With Valentine’s Day this Saturday, we couldn’t help but fall in love with Catherine’s new necklace, which she wore to meet Sarah Mullally, the new Archbishop of Canterbury on Thursday. Although, with a £1,555 price tag, the Gold Keeper’s Heart Trace Chain Necklace by Daniella Draper is very much an investment for life purchase. Handmade in England with recycled 9ct yellow gold, Daniella says the piece symbolises “love and connection” and “captures the essence of affection, serving as a meaningful reminder of your everlasting love.” Catherine’s carries a personalised engraving and is rumoured to be a birthday present from her prince, sweet William!