Andrew and Edward at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Getty)
In ‘The Godfather,’ Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone takes charge over his hapless older brother Fredo, fearing his weakness could destroy their family. Now the shamed and weak Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been “made an offer he can’t refuse” by his younger brother Edward, as the Duke of Edinburgh cracks down on his wayward sibling.
It’s been reported Prince Edward was the first royal to visit Andrew, as the former Duke of York, 66, waits in ‘social purgatory’ at Wood Farm, on the Sandringham Estate. Edward, 62, went for a “quiet word” about Andrew finally moving into his permanent home in exile – the nearby Marsh Farm residence, also at Sandringham, in Norfolk.
It’s been claimed the disgraced former prince has been “dragging his heels” as renovations at Marsh Farm have been ongoing for months.
Edward was due to stay at Wood Farm but because Andrew is still holed up there – basically taking over two properties – Edward had to stay in the main house this week.
A friend said: “Prince Edward was the first and only member of the Royal Family to visit. Andrew has been ignored by everyone since he left Royal Lodge, including his daughters and ex-wife who have stayed away.
Read more: ‘Andrew’s finally had a visitor – and it’s a total and utter humiliation’
Read more: Andrew urged ‘to be sent to the bailiffs’ after major Prince Edward move
“Edward has already publicly made his feelings clear when he expressed concern for the victims. Edward was meant to be staying at Wood Farm as he regularly books it for Easter, but his brother was there.
“Andrew has been dragging his heels. He could have moved by now, but has been reluctant. Edward has had a quiet word with his brother.”
Palace aides have always indicated that Andrew should have been in his permanent new home Marsh Farm by Easter weekend.
Andrew has been shunned by his entire family ever since he was evicted from the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion, in Windsor, in February after a spate of shocking emails emerged in the Epstein Files, relating to his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles refused to see Andrew when he stayed for a week a mile away from Wood Farm at Sandringham last month.
Meanwhile Prince William and Catherine, who are on holiday nearby at the royal estate at Anmer Hall, also gave Andrew a wide berth in recent days.
Marsh Farm in Wolferton, on the Sandringham Estate (Image: Getty)
Even Andrew’s two loyal daughters Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, have been careful not to visit their shamed father since he moved to Sandringham – while ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, also 66, has not been seen for months.
In recent days Andrew was spotted for the first time since his high-profile arrest, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office while working as a UK trade envoy.
He was pictured last week meeting Sandringham estate manager Edward Parsons as flat-packed removal boxes were driven away, showing the Marsh Farm move might be underway.
Now Edward has been to see Andrew and told him to hurry up; the move to Marsh Farm is expected to be completed soon.
Let’s not forget Edward has been the most senior royal to speak publicly and in person about the allegations swirling around his brother.
Edward told a Dubai conference: “I think it’s all really important, always, to remember the victims, and who are the victims in all this.”
Edward, and wife Sophie, have really stepped up for all the Royal Family since Queen Elizabeth II died – I’m sure he told Andrew if he wants to keep the ‘Windsor’ in his surname, he should start to act like one.