Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, have joined King Charles at Balmoral for the Royal Family’s annual summer break, despite fresh controversy sparked by a new book.
The Duke of York and his ex-wife are staying at Craigowan Lodge, a seven-bedroom property half a mile from the King’s residence.
The house, once a favourite retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II, is set within walking distance of a nine-hole golf course.
Their daughters, Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35, along with their young families, are expected to visit in the coming days.
Prince Andrew and Fergie arrive at Balmoral as Beatrice and Eugenie set to join soon
|GETTY
The visit comes shortly after the release of Andrew Lownie’s book Entitled, which was highly controversial.
It also comes nine months after the Duke was excluded from the family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham amid reports of his links to an alleged Chinese spy.
An insider told The Sun: “The Balmoral invitation is a huge show of support.”
The King and Queen Camilla are hosting members of the wider family at the Scottish estate over the coming weeks.
King Charles arriving at Balmoral Castle | PAPrince William and Kate, along with their three children, are expected to spend time there, as are Prince Edward, Sophie and their two children.
The annual Balmoral stay is one of only two occasions each year — alongside Christmas — when the entire Royal Family gathers together.
Charles and Camilla are due to remain in residence for three weeks and will also welcome Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer next month.
Meanwhile, Andrew has faced frustrations back in Windsor. It was reported last week that he was angered by roadworks taking place near his home, Royal Lodge.
Balmoral Castle is located among the Scottish Highlands | PALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Andrew Lownie holding his book 'Entitled' | GETTYHe was overheard challenging one of the workmen, asking: “What the f*** are you doing now?”
The Balmoral estate spans more than 50,000 acres of Scottish countryside and has been a royal retreat since it was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852.
Craigowan Lodge, where Andrew and Sarah are staying, is traditionally used as accommodation for visiting guests.
The property is located about a mile from Balmoral Castle itself, where the King and Queen are in residence.