After years of controversy and a retreat from public life, Prince Andrew may soon find refuge far from British scrutiny — in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive royal estate.
Reports suggest the disgraced Duke could move into a £10 million villa gifted for his use by none other than the UAE’s ruler and his long-time friend, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A Royal Hideaway Fit for a Duke
The opulent six-bedroom mansion sits inside the Sea Palace compound, the heavily guarded residence of the Emirati royal family.
It’s also home to the country’s naval headquarters, making it one of the most secure properties in the region.
The villa boasts marble interiors, a home cinema, a private gym, and an indoor plunge pool — all designed with what architects describe as “classical grandeur with a playful twist.”
Every inch of the home gleams with luxury, from the gold-trimmed light fixtures to the cordon bleu kitchen that comes fully staffed with chefs.
A Friendship Spanning Decades
Andrew’s connection to Sheikh Mohamed, affectionately known as MBZ, stretches back to their school days at Gordonstoun in Scotland.
The pair have remained close ever since, and following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, MBZ reportedly ordered the villa’s refurbishment specifically for Andrew’s use.
According to insiders, the design blends traditional Arab luxury with a more modern flair — a refreshing change for the former royal who has struggled to find his footing since stepping back from public duties.
Life Away from the Spotlight
For Andrew, 65, the villa could provide the perfect escape.
Shielded by the UAE’s strict media environment, he could live comfortably without constant headlines about his past controversies.
Author and royal expert Andrew Lownie called the move “perfect for Andrew,” noting that Abu Dhabi offers the kind of privacy and status the Duke still craves.
“He would be happy living somewhere where the media is muzzled, where he will still be treated as a senior royal and can easily live under the radar,” Lownie said.
“His relationships and personal life wouldn’t face the same scrutiny there.”
Family Ties and Familiar Comforts
It’s believed that the villa isn’t entirely new territory for the Duke.
Both of his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have reportedly stayed there in the past.
The property’s spacious layout and seaside views make it an appealing retreat for the family — a place where Andrew can maintain a sense of royal dignity without the glare of British tabloids.
A New Chapter or Exile?
Speculation is growing that Andrew could split his time between the UK and the UAE, effectively beginning a quiet life in semi-exile.
His years as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment between 2001 and 2011 had already made him a familiar face in the Gulf region, where he first met figures like businesswoman Amanda Staveley and Lebanese-born Christina Keserwan, both of whom were romantically linked to him in the early 2000s.
Interestingly, if he settles in Abu Dhabi, he’ll find a familiar neighbor in Spain’s former king, Juan Carlos, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the region since 2014 after his own scandals in Saudi Arabia.
What About Sarah Ferguson?
Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is also reportedly considering leaving the UK. A source close to her told reporters that beyond her children and grandchildren, “there’s not much keeping her here.”
Invitations to public events have “dried up overnight,” the source added, hinting that Fergie may soon join her former husband abroad.
The Perfect Hideout for a Fallen Royal
From its gold accents to its fortified walls, the Sea Palace villa offers everything Prince Andrew might need — comfort, privacy, and distance.
Whether this move marks a fresh start or quiet exile, it’s clear that life in Abu Dhabi could give the Duke of York exactly what he’s been seeking for years: escape from the unrelenting glare of the British spotlight.