Prince Andrew's way of life inside Royal Lodge includes 'below the radar' activity

A fresh documentary exploring Prince Andrew and his former spouse Sarah Ferguson has offered fascinating glimpses into how the controversy-plagued Duke of York fills his time. Andrew, the late Queen Elizabeth's third offspring, has found himself embroiled in numerous scandals over recent years, spanning his connections with Jeffrey Epstein through to accusations of sexual misconduct.

The litany of controversies led to his withdrawal from all public duties in May 2020, which raises the compelling question - how does the 65-year-old now occupy his daily existence? Royal experts claimed to possess some of these insights and they disclosed their findings in a forthcoming Channel 5 documentary entitled Fergie, Andrew and the Scandal of SouthYork. What is well known is that Andrew resides at Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-room estate, alongside his ex-wife Fergie, despite their marriage ending in 1996.

Speaking about this peculiar arrangement, while offering perspective on the Duke's way of life, Richard Kay, Royal correspondent for the Daily Mail, declared on the programme: "What does he do all day? Well he doesn't do very much. He is having to lead a life very much below the radar."

Royal authority Jennie Bond subsequently furnished additional specifics and revealed: "He will sit at the big screen and watch the planes taking off and landing at airports... ehm, well, everyone to their own choice."

Another Royal authority, Sarah Hewson, wrapped up the segment with these words: "Sarah Ferguson has described her former husband as a sad man and it is a very sad existence that he now leads."

The documentary delves into the lives of Andrew and Sarah prior to their move to Royal Lodge, with a particular focus on the contentious Sunninghill Park in Berkshire, once the residence of the couple and their daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

The duo tied the knot at Westminster Palace 39 years ago this month, and despite their eventual parting, they have remained supportive of each other during difficult times.

In a 2021 interview with Good Morning America, Fergie reminisced about her wedding day with great affection.

She effused: "He is a great man and [our wedding day] was the best day of my life. I would do it all over again because he was a very good-looking sailor, but I fell in love with him and I think love conquers all."

Their surprising separation was announced in 1992, followed by an official divorce four years later. Despite this, they co-parented their daughters, attempted to maintain normalcy, and stood by each other at significant family occasions.

Speaking to the Sunday Times in 2021, the Duchess of York explained why she continues to reside with him at Royal Lodge. She stated: "I travel a lot and I've always been able to make wherever I am home.

"If I am staying in a hotel I have the same family photographs and scented candles around me. When I'm in the UK I'm lucky enough to stay at Royal Lodge. I wouldn't call it my home as that would be presumptuous."

Fergie, Andrew & the Scandal of SouthYorkwill air on Channel 5 on Saturday July 26 from 8pm until 9pm