Prince Andrew Could Leave UK And Relocate Thousands of Miles Away After His Downfall

With his royal titles removed and his position within the Royal Family significantly diminished, attention has now turned to what the ex-prince's long-term future may look like — with one unexpected destination emerging as a possibility.

As legal pressure intensifies and public scrutiny deepens, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may be facing a decision that once seemed unthinkable — whether to remain in Britain or step away from it entirely.

A royal biographer has now suggested that relocation — potentially thousands of miles from the United Kingdom — cannot be ruled out. The former Duke of York was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released pending further investigation.

Yet royal author Andrew Lownie cautioned that diplomatic realities may outweigh personal ties.

The arrest followed renewed attention on his past role as a UK Trade Envoy and his documented association with convicted sex offender and American financier Jeffrey Epstein, brought back into focus by disclosures linked to the Epstein files.

Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing. However, in recent months, the consequences have been stark. He has been stripped of his royal titles and removed from Royal Lodge by his older brother, King Charles III.

With his standing within the institution significantly diminished and his public reputation under sustained strain, discussion has shifted from damage control to what his long-term future might look like.

A Logical but Complicated Choice

Early speculation about move abroad centred on the United Arab Emirates, where Mountbatten-Windsor has longstanding personal connections.

Reports have indicated that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered him the use of a 16,000 sq ft residence within a secure diplomatic enclave — a fully staffed, six-bedroom property that could provide discretion and distance from Britain's media glare.

Yet royal author Andrew Lownie cautioned that diplomatic realities may outweigh personal ties. He argued that regional leaders would prioritise their relationship with His Majesty over any association with Mountbatten-Windsor and added:

"If he were to go to the Middle East, they wouldn't want to upset the Royal Family."

Lownie suggested that any such move would likely require the British Royal Family's tacit consent — a scenario he implied would be deeply unpopular if it became public knowledge. In that context, what appears straightforward on the surface becomes politically sensitive beneath it.

Bahrain and the Extradition Debate

Bahrain has also been mentioned in public discourse, largely because it does not have an extradition treaty with the United Kingdom. However, Lownie dismissed the idea that this would make it a viable refuge.

He noted that Bahrain's ruler, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is "very close to Charles" and would be unlikely to risk diplomatic strain.

He added that the King of Bahrain is "not going to [expletive] him off," underscoring the importance of state relationships over individual loyalties. Taken together, those assessments suggest that traditional royal-friendly destinations in the Gulf may be more constrained than they first appear.

A More Unexpected Theory

Lownie then proposed a more surprising possibility. "The other option, because he's not going to go and join Assad in Moscow, is China," he revealed. According to the royal author, Mountbatten-Windsor has "lots of business activities" in China.

He also pointed to the fact that his former secretary, Amanda Thirsk, now works for a Chinese company. In addition, he referenced Mountbatten-Windsor's reported closeness to the Chinese ambassador, recalling that when few guests attended a birthday gathering a couple of years ago, the ambassador was present.

At present, there is no confirmed indication that Mountbatten-Windsor is preparing to leave the United Kingdom.

Lownie was explicit about the speculative nature of his remarks. "I have no evidence of any of this except my instinct," he said. Nonetheless, he suggested that China's scale and political landscape might offer a degree of anonymity.

With Mountbatten-Windsor's passport not having been seized, international travel remains legally possible. In Lownie's view, China could provide a base where the former duke might keep a lower profile.

Public Reaction and Divided Opinion

As for the court of public opinion, online commentary has reflected a mix of sorrow, frustration, and pragmatism. One person wrote, "Thank goodness our beloved Queen isn't here to see it all. She would be devasted [sic] to believe her son had come to this. I would be."

Others viewed departure as a practical solution. "BEST THING for him todo now i reckon [sic]," one individual typed. Another commented, "Proberbly for the best all round,but mainly for the sake of the Kings health and family to try and get back to a normal life,if thats possible.. [sic]"

A third shared, "That's very decent of him! Let's see what else is coming out." There was also pointed scepticism. "What country would have him?" one person asked.

Meanwhile, another wrote, "It's called getting rid of the problem instead of punishing it, the Queen done [sic] it once with a naughty cousin..." A final netizen added, "And Fergie will probably join him."

An Unsettled Future

At present, there is no confirmed indication that Mountbatten-Windsor is preparing to leave the United Kingdom. Lownie himself reiterated that his suggestion regarding a potential move to China was grounded in instinct rather than evidence.

Still, the combination of legal uncertainty, diplomatic sensitivities, and sustained public backlash has altered the trajectory of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's life.

Whether he remains in Britain or seeks distance abroad, the debate over his future now extends well beyond palace walls — and into the realm of international consequence.