Why King Charles is said to be softening his approach to Andrew

King Charles is reportedly beginning to regret the strict action he took against his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with claims emerging that the monarch is now “gently backtracking” behind the scenes.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, the former Duke of York has faced a series of humiliating, low-profile restrictions following the ongoing fallout from his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. These measures reportedly went far beyond the public stripping of titles and honours.

Daily Mail columnist Ephraim Hardcastle wrote that Andrew endured “behind-the-scenes degradations”, including the removal of royal staff whose salaries were funded by King Charles.

He was also allegedly cut off from Windsor Castle’s kitchens, meaning no more takeaway meals from royal chefs, and was issued with a strict instruction to remain out of sight until his eventual relocation.

The columnist claimed Andrew’s final plea was not to be “reduced to the rank of commoner”. In what is being described as a quiet softening of approach, King Charles is now said to be phoning his brother regularly and has reportedly begun reinstating some access to staff and stables at Royal Lodge.

Despite this Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson are still believed to be excluded from Christmas festivities at Sandringham this year, where the wider Royal Family is expected to gather for the traditional church service.

Andrew’s downfall accelerated after he was forced to relinquish his remaining titles, including Duke of York, following renewed scrutiny linked to Epstein.

The situation intensified further with the publication of extracts from the posthumous memoir of Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre. Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations made against him.

In another recent blow, Andrew is understood to have voluntarily surrendered his gun licence after a visit from Metropolitan Police firearms officers.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed at the time: “On Wednesday, November 19, Metropolitan Police firearms licensing officers attended an address in Windsor to request that a man in his 60s voluntarily surrender his firearms and shotgun certificate.” The certificate was surrendered, with no further comment provided.

Andrew is expected to vacate Royal Lodge in the new year and relocate to the Sandringham estate, which is privately owned by the King. The property he is believed to be moving into is widely reported to be Marsh Farm, though palace officials have not publicly confirmed the location.