Prince Andrew, formerly the Duke of York, marks his 66th birthday on Thursday, February 19, facing a far quieter celebration than in past years. Unlike previous gatherings with elites, he spends the day alone at a modest cottage on the Sandringham estate, arranged by his brother, King Charles III.
Renewed Pressure from Epstein Scandal
Recent releases from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Epstein files, including emails and photos, have intensified scrutiny on Andrew’s ties to the convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. lawmakers urge him to testify before a congressional committee regarding Epstein’s personal and business activities.
Andrew has relinquished his royal titles, military honors, and residence at the 31-room Royal Lodge on the Windsor Crown Estate. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, features prominently in the documents. Her emails describe Epstein as a “steadfast, generous and supreme friend,” propose “marry me,” reference daughter Princess Eugenie’s “shagging weekend,” and confirm her trip to the U.S. to greet Epstein upon his release from prison after his conviction for procuring a 14-year-old girl for prostitution.
Contrasting Past Celebrations
Andrew’s earlier birthdays featured extravagant events. For his 21st in 1981, a grand summer ball unfolded at Windsor Castle, delayed four months from the actual date.
At 40, still holding his duke title and favored by the late Queen, he rode the London Eye privately with Ferguson and daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Security measures delayed public access for 45 minutes, leaving some visitors waiting two hours. That evening, Ferguson hosted a £30,000 “This Is Your Life” party at Sunninghill Park in Ascot, complete with a video tribute from Elton John and Royal Navy-themed canapés arranged around ship and helicopter models.
His 54th birthday involved a dinner with model Monika Jakisic, George Clooney’s former partner. She later posted a photo suggesting a diamond engagement ring, though Andrew’s team denied the rumor.
Recent Developments and Family Impact
A newly released photo from late January depicts Andrew on all fours above a woman lying on her back. No evidence of criminal activity appears in the image, and Andrew consistently denies any wrongdoing. The picture draws attention amid ongoing file disclosures.
Daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, mentioned in the Epstein documents, face public scrutiny over their parents’ Epstein connections. As layers of association emerge, the scandal continues to affect the family.
