Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have joined the King at Balmoral for the family’s traditional summer holiday, but not under the same roof.
Instead of being welcomed into Balmoral Castle, the Duke and Duchess of York are staying nearby at Craigowan Lodge, a seven-bedroom property on the wider estate.
The choice of accommodation has raised eyebrows and is being seen as a quiet but pointed reminder of the couple’s status.
While King Charles and Queen Camilla preside from the castle itself, Andrew and Fergie remain on the fringes, close enough to attend family gatherings but distinctly apart from the main household.
Andrew and Fergie face subtle snub as Duke and Duchess kept out of Balmoral Castle
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Balmoral has long been regarded as the Royal Family’s most intimate space, where monarchs open their doors to those in the closest circle. Queen Elizabeth II was known to extend invitations to senior members of the family to stay in the castle during the late summer weeks.
To be housed elsewhere, observers note, is more than just a matter of convenience; it is a signal of inclusion or exclusion from the inner circle.
The timing makes the arrangement even more striking. Andrew’s reputation has once again been under pressure following the release of Andrew Lownie’s book Entitled, which has reignited public scrutiny of his behaviour and relationships.
For Charles, who has worked carefully to preserve the monarchy’s image, any sign of full rehabilitation for his brother risks sending the wrong message.
Andrew and Fergie are staying at Craigowan Lodge in Scotland
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An insider described the Yorks’ presence at Balmoral as “a huge show of support” from the King, particularly given the renewed scrutiny surrounding Andrew.
But while the invitation itself may signal Charles’s loyalty, the decision to house Andrew and Fergie outside the castle walls underlines that support is limited.
Allowing Andrew and Fergie to join the wider family is a small gesture of acceptance. Yet keeping them at Craigowan Lodge draws a firm line, granting them proximity but not parity.
It lets the King be seen as compassionate without opening himself to criticism for ignoring the controversies still surrounding his brother.
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But even then, their visit will remain symbolically separate from the King and Queen’s household.
Supporters argue that Craigowan Lodge offers the Yorks greater privacy, as the cottage is frequently used for guests and staff.
But in royal terms, proximity to the monarch is a privilege, and separation is rarely accidental.