Prince Andrew is set to face a quieter Christmas this year at his Royal Lodge home with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
While the Duke of York, 64, was initially expected to spend Christmas at Sandringham with the rest of the Royal Family, this plan went to tatters when it was reported last week that the Duke was associated with a suspected Chinese spy.
Although Andrew is no longer in contact with suspected spy and businessman Yang Tengbo, he has found himself at the centre of the scandal, with MI6 having to brief King Charles’ most senior aides last week.
This has spurred the duke to want to stay out of the spotlight, prompting his decision to spend December 25 at his Windsor home instead of at Sandringham with the wider family.
It is believed it will just be him and ex-wife Sarah present on the big day, with their two daughters Princess Eugenie, 34, and Princess Beatrice, 36, expected to spend the day with their husband’s families.
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Despite it being quieter than Andrew’s usual Christmas plans, the duke is still likely to spend the day in good spirits, exchanging presents and perhaps spending time in the paddock.
It is also likely that he and Sarah will take the corgis, who previously belonged to the late Queen, on a festive walk.
The rest of the day is likely to be spent in the 30-bed home, which will hopefully look festive despite the fact it is in need of repair.
Over the last few months, it has been reported that the property is crumbling, with cracks and mould clearly visible on the outside walls, along with peeling paintwork.
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The revelations of the state of the home were made after it was reported that King Charles, 76, has been trying to get his brother to downsize to a smaller property for some time.
In a bid to spur Andrew on to make the move, Charles cut his younger brother’s security, which he was privately funding, however the duke has remained determined to stay at the property.
Andrew was reportedly offered the chance to move into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former Frogmore Cottage home, however he declined.
It is not known whether he will attend the pre-Christmas lunch with the Royal Family on Thursday.
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