Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have traded royal life for a quieter existence at Sandringham, but his new surroundings are reportedly anything but peaceful.
The former prince’s home on the sprawling royal estate has allegedly been hit by a major vermin problem, with rats, mice, moles and other unwanted visitors said to be running wild across the grounds.
The unsettling infestation comes at an especially uncomfortable time for Andrew, 66, as scrutiny continues over his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to reports, controlling the rodents at Sandringham is not as simple as setting traps or bringing in a few hungry cats.
The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly banned the use of cats and poison for pest control around parts of the estate because of concerns that they could harm birds and other wildlife.
That decision has apparently left King Charles and estate workers with fewer options as the rodent population grows.
And the timing could hardly be worse for Andrew.
Authorities are reportedly examining allegations involving suspected misconduct in public office and his connections to Epstein. Andrew has repeatedly denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and has denied allegations made against him.
Still, insiders claim tensions behind palace walls are mounting.
One source even suggested Andrew could begin cooperating with investigators or revealing information about others if he believed he was personally at risk of prosecution or prison.
A royal courtier reportedly offered a biting assessment of the situation, saying: “Birds of a feather seem to be flocking together.”
Andrew’s reputation has been battered for years by the Epstein scandal, which ultimately helped cost him his military titles, royal patronages and role as a working member of the Royal Family.
Now, as legal questions continue to swirl, his retreat at Sandringham is facing a very different kind of invasion.
For a man already dealing with one of the most damaging scandals in modern royal history, the arrival of rats may be the last thing he needs.
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