Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, is living a diminished life with “lots of time to fill” after being stripped of his royal titles, with royal commentators describing a “tragic element” to his isolated existence at Royal Lodge
Daniel Windham Assistant Editor
15:57, 30 Dec 2025
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, is now leading a significantly reduced existence with “lots of time to fill,” following his exile from the royal family, according to a royal expert. In October, Andrew consented to relinquish his Duke of York title, before the King took further action a fortnight later, stripping him of both his princely status and dukedom, rendering Andrew a commoner for the first time.
The 65-year-old, who was instructed by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2020 to cease using his HRH style, now confronts a daily reality vastly different from the public and ceremonial duties he once performed. The former royal, who has largely vanished from public sight, is reportedly spending much of his time alone at Royal Lodge, with little to occupy his days, according to royal commentator Simon Vigar.
During an appearance on Royal Confidential, The Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson pondered Andrew’s current activities. “It also makes me wonder what he’s actually doing. We only ever see him horse-riding. There was a long article in the Telegraph this week, my colleague Hannah wrote a really good piece asking what he actually does. I think she described him as a bit of a couch potato, sitting at Royal Lodge watching television,” Wilkinson said.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor(Image: Getty)
Even pastimes, such as shooting, a traditional part of royal family life, have reportedly been restricted. “I think he used to watch flights, tracking them on flight radar. What does he do now if he can’t go shooting?” Wilkinson added.
Simon Vigar, royal correspondent for Five News, characterised Andrew’s present circumstances as leaving him with “lots of time to fill,” a sharp departure from the packed diary of public appearances and royal responsibilities he once maintained, reports the Express.
“There is obviously an element of tragedy. I don’t expect people to feel sympathetic for him, but there is a tragic element to this,” he said. Vigar reflected on Andrew’s former prominence, noting: “In happier days, he was known as the Duke of Golf. I’m not sure how many golf clubs he’s a member of anymore. But it’s a lot of time to fill.”
Vigar added that some clubs are now removing Andrew’s name from their membership rolls. “People just want to be disassociated from him,” he said.
According to the Telegraph, Andrew currently spends his time horse-riding, shooting, playing golf, or watching television. He abstains from alcohol and cigarettes and is rarely seen dining out.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor(Image: Getty)
“He watches a lot of TV — he’s always done that,” one source told the publication. “He’s always been a bit of a couch potato.”
While the former prince continues to organise shoots at Sandringham, “nobody visits him anymore.” His biographer suggests he feels “abandoned and embittered.”
Andrew’s reduced role follows years of intense scrutiny over his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and allegations that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre, claims he vehemently denies.
Ms Giuffre tragically took her own life in April. The posthumous publication of her memoir, Nobody’s Girl, along with the release of documents and emails related to Epstein this year, has only intensified the spotlight on the Queen’s second son.