Samantha Kane, the owner of Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland, has extended an invitation to Prince Andrew to use her historic property as a private retreat. This offer emerges amid discussions that King Charles may advise his brother to relocate to the Castle of Mey in Caithness, a move seen as an effort to further remove him from the public eye.
Kane expressed her belief that the Duke of York has faced undue scrutiny, stating, “I feel strongly that he is being hounded unfairly. He remains innocent of these allegations and deserves to be treated with fairness rather than by the court of public opinion.” Her castle, she believes, presents a more fitting and private Highland residence for Andrew, highlighting its historical significance and royal connections.
The proposition comes in light of Andrew’s recent announcement to relinquish his royal titles following discussions with the King, aiming to ease the pressure surrounding his public image, largely affected by his past association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. Although he has denied any wrongdoing, Andrew settled a civil lawsuit brought by Epstein’s accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, which has continued to challenge his reputation.
A recent YouGov poll indicated that 63% of Britons support the formal removal of Andrew’s dukedom, with an additional 17% in partial support. Despite stepping back from public duties since 2019, Andrew remains in residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor, but there are indications that the King wishes for him to establish a more permanent base in Scotland.
Kane, who has invested significant resources into revitalizing Carbisdale Castle and aims for a luxurious redevelopment, added her hope that the Duke would consider her offer to provide him and his family with the privacy and dignity they deserve. She also expressed willingness to assist him in any efforts to contest moves to remove him from his current home.
This ongoing situation reflects a complicated relationship between public perception and royal duties, yet Kane’s generous offer presents a potential path for Prince Andrew to step away from the public glare, while honoring the historical significance of his family’s ties to Scotland.