Andrew Mountbatten Windsor might soon call an opulent £10 million villa on the fortified estate of the Abu Dhabi royal family his new home. The Mail on Sunday has gained exclusive insights into the lavish marble interiors that define this luxurious residence.
Nestled within the Sea Palace compound, this extravagant property is part of a heavily secured enclave that houses the ruling family of the UAE, alongside the headquarters of the Emirati navy.
Andrew, now 65, was extended the offer to use this waterfront retreat by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their relationship dates back to their school days at Gordonstoun.
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Sheikh Mohamed commissioned the refurbishment of this private villa, aiming to create a sanctuary that reflects both classical elegance and contemporary flair.
Designers endeavored to harmonize opulence with modernity, infusing the interiors with bold colors and exquisite marble finishes, thereby breathing new life into the traditional ‘palace-style’ architecture.
This six-bedroom estate, complete with a home cinema, indoor plunge pool, and gym, offers the embattled former prince a chance to escape the relentless gaze of the media.
A particularly large kitchen is staffed by cordon bleu cooks, with fittings such as light switches, lamps and taps decorated in gold.
When the Sea Palace, built in the 18th century as a watchtower to protect from seaborne raiders, was put at Andrew’s disposal in 2010, Buckingham Palace was keen to stress it was not an outright gift.
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, 65, (right) has been offered use of a waterfront home by UAE president Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan (pictured left)
The six-bedroom property, with a home cinema, indoor plunge pool and gym, offers the disgraced former prince the chance to live away from the media spotlight
The lavish property sits in the Sea Palace compound – the heavily guarded residence of the UAE’s ruling family – alongside the headquarters of the Emirati navy
Andrew Lownie, author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, said it was ‘perfect for Andrew’: ‘He would be happy living somewhere where the media is muzzled, where he will still be treated as a senior royal and where he can easily live under the radar.
‘His personal relationships with young women are not likely to be scrutinised in Abu Dhabi.
‘There has been much speculation Andrew might divide his time between Britain and the UAE, using this property as his base.’
It is believed the villa has been extensively used in the past by both Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
The prospect of Andrew embarking on a life in exile in the Gulf is the culmination of many years’ friendship with Sheik Mohamed, 64, who is known as ‘MBZ’.
He began visiting Abu Dhabi when he was the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment from 2001 until forced to quit ten years later due to his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
He met his one-time girlfriend, businesswoman Amanda Staveley, there in 2001 – she reportedly turned down a marriage proposal.
It is believed the villa has been extensively used in the past by both Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie
He was said to have romanced Lebanese-born Christina Keserwan, 17 years his junior, in 2002 when she had a role in MBZ’s racehorse team.
If he does move, Spain’s former king Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014 after a scandal linked to deals in Saudi Arabia, will be a neighbour.
Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson is said to be considering quitting the UK.
A source said: ‘Aside from her children and grandchildren, there’s not a lot to keep her here. Put it this way, the invitations have dried up overnight.’
