King Charles III has taken significant steps to distance himself publicly from his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, amid ongoing controversies linked to the former duke's association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, royal experts suggest that despite the public severing of ties, the monarch continues to support Andrew privately.

In October, Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and official duties following the revelations of his connections to Epstein. Earlier this year, he vacated the Royal Lodge in Windsor, a 30-room mansion, and relocated to a smaller residence at Marsh Farm on the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Despite this so-called "exile," Andrew remains under the protection of a private security detail reportedly funded by the King rather than public funds through the Sovereign Grant.

Recent security concerns arose when a man was charged with allegedly threatening Andrew while he was walking his dog at Marsh Farm, highlighting ongoing risks that accompany his residence. Additionally, reports indicate recent renovation work and the transport of fine art at his new residence have taken place, suggesting that the King continues to ensure a relatively comfortable lifestyle for his brother.

Norman Baker, author of *Royal Mint: National Debt*, noted that while Charles aims to publicly disavow Andrew, he maintains support by providing housing and security. “He’s making sure Andrew has a reasonably comfortable lifestyle—far more comfortable than most of the country,” Baker said.

Andrew has faced legal scrutiny following allegations that he passed sensitive information to Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy. Police from Thames Valley arrested him earlier this year, but he was released under investigation and denies any wrongdoing. Additional allegations concern claims that Epstein arranged for a woman to travel to Windsor in 2010 for the purpose of sexual exploitation involving Andrew, which he also denies.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams described the arrangements at Marsh Farm as “as good as can be managed” and suggested that the King’s ongoing support may depend on whether further damaging information comes to light. Author Andrew Lownie called the scandal “the worst royal crisis in 500 years,” but noted that the Palace continues to hope the issue subsides without escalating.

Public opinion remains overwhelmingly unfavorable toward Andrew. A February YouGov survey found that 90% of the British public view him negatively, although the King’s approval ratings have not yet suffered significant damage. Among younger Britons aged 18 to 24, only 37% hold a positive view of Charles. Prince William, heir apparent, has presented the monarchy as more modern and is believed to favor a more decisive separation from Andrew, though it is unclear whether he supports removing the royal titles of Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Further complications arise from the involvement of Beatrice and Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, who was reported in US Department of Justice disclosures to have taken her daughters to visit Epstein in 2009, shortly after his conviction. Both princesses’ absence from this year’s Royal Ascot has been interpreted as part of a distancing strategy from the House of York. Nonetheless, the Palace recently acknowledged Princess Eugenie’s pregnancy, with Charles offering his congratulations.

Baker has advocated for removal of the titles and residences belonging to Beatrice and Eugenie, citing a broader goal of slimming down the monarchy rather than focusing solely on the controversies involving their parents. “Charles supposedly wants a slimmed-down monarchy, but he just wants fewer people standing on the balcony,” he said, adding that cost-cutting remains limited.

Buckingham Palace and representatives for Andrew, Beatrice, Eugenie, and the Anti-Slavery Collective—co-founded by Princess Eugenie—declined to comment.