Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been seen driving a £75,000 Land Rover Defender at his Windsor residence, offering a rare glimpse into the scaled-back but still closely watched life of the former senior royal.
The sighting comes during a Christmas period in which Andrew was excluded from celebrations with senior members of the Royal Family, reinforcing his continued separation from royal life and public duties.
What is known about the £75,000 Land Rover Defender?
Photographs show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor behind the wheel of a new Land Rover Defender at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he continues to live under a long-term arrangement.
The vehicle is not believed to be a personal purchase. Reports indicate it forms part of a fleet agreement between Jaguar Land Rover and the Royal Family, under which vehicles are loaned for official and private use.
Such arrangements are long-standing and apply across royal households, though Andrew’s continued access has sparked renewed debate given his lack of public role.
At an estimated value of £75,000, the Defender is one of Jaguar Land Rover’s premium models, often associated with royal estates due to its durability and security features.
Why did Andrew spend Christmas away from the Royal Family?
Andrew was not invited to spend Christmas with the King or other senior royals, a decision that sources say reflects a settled position rather than a temporary measure.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2019, Andrew has been progressively stripped of his public standing. He no longer holds military ranks, including his former vice-admiral role, and has lost his royal patronages and ducal status.
Insiders suggest that by 2025, his separation from the institution is considered effectively complete, with no expectation of reconciliation or return.
His absence during the festive period underlines how firmly that line has now been drawn.
How controlled are Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s public appearances?
Andrew’s rare public outings are said to be carefully managed, with staff assisting him in avoiding attention.
Earlier this month, he attended the christening of his granddaughter, Athena Mapelli Mozzi, at St James’s Palace.
Despite the family nature of the event, Andrew reportedly arrived concealed in the back of a vehicle and left without taking part in any public-facing celebrations.
Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, later joined friends at a nearby pub to continue the occasion.
Andrew did not accompany them, a detail that royal observers say illustrates how deliberately he keeps himself apart, even at family milestones.
What is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s daily life like?
Those familiar with Andrew’s routine describe a life that is quiet, repetitive, and largely solitary. His days are said to revolve around horse riding, occasional golf, and long hours spent watching television.
One source said, “He does watch a lot of TV; he’s always done that. He’s always been a bit of a couch potato.”
He is understood not to drink or smoke and has withdrawn almost entirely from social dining or public-facing engagements, marking a stark contrast with his former royal lifestyle.
Is Andrew being asked to leave Royal Lodge?
Yes. Andrew’s departure from Royal Lodge has been confirmed for 2026, bringing to an end his tenure at the Windsor property. The move is widely seen as another symbolic step in the dismantling of his remaining royal privileges.
There has been no suggestion that he will be offered a comparable residence, and any lingering speculation about a return to official duties is now regarded as unrealistic.
Why has the new car reignited public debate?
Although Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor no longer represents the monarchy, images of him driving a high-value vehicle have reignited questions about privilege without responsibility.
While the Land Rover Defender is loaned rather than owned, critics argue that continued access to luxury assets linked to royal agreements sits uneasily with his complete withdrawal from public service.
So much for being shunned by the royals. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spotted behind wheel of £75k Land Rover.
— r/Fauxmoi, Reddit (today) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Supporters counter that existing arrangements are private matters, separate from taxpayer funding.
