Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor secretly escaped from his exile in Sandringham for a "free weekend away" in France, according to a new report.
The former Duke of York, 66, enjoyed a free holiday in rural Brittany, north-west France, courtesy of Arab billionaire Mohammed A Baker, according to the Daily Mail.
Andrew, who lives in exile at Marsh Farm on King Charles's Sandringham Estate, was the VIP guest for the "relaxing" break on the MAB Stables stud farm near St Malo from 30 May to 1 June, travelling via private jet.
In recent months, he has been enduring a solitary existence at the five-bedroom farmhouse and has been pictured on lonely dog walks and drives in his Range Rover.
However, his weekend in France allegedly involved a private chef and fine wine near the beach, surrounded by wealthy company.
According to the paper, it was just 72 hours after returning from his holiday, on 4 June, that the former Prince was photographed with a mysterious large bruise on his face, which has since appeared to have healed.
Andrew's luxurious stay away – details
Andrew is said to have travelled to Dinard Airport from Norwich International via private jet.
During his free trip hosted by the UAE businessman, Andrew allegedly rode horses on the beach, played games of boules, and was fed meals prepared by a private chef, the Mail claimed.
© GettyFrench racehorse trainer Arthur Desprez, who is local, told the paper that Andrew had a bodyguard with him and saw them riding horses together.
It's unclear how Andrew, who is father to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Mohammed A. Baker know each other, though they are believed to have operated in the same circles and share a love of horses.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesFall from grace
Andrew's association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has led to his disgrace in the UK and the removal of his titles. However, the latest report seems to indicate he still enjoys some status abroad.
His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is also believed to have spent some time in the UAE in recent months, though she was most recently photographed at a ski resort in Austria in April.
© Getty ImagesAndrew stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview, and was stripped of his remaining titles last October, as well as being exiled from his Royal Lodge home in Windsor.
He was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as UK trade envoy, for which the investigation is still ongoing.
Last Monday, Andrew was banned from attending the annual Garter Day events with the royal family, which were attended by the King and Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
