Prince Andrew 'refusing' to walk the late Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis amid latest scandal

An insider told The Sun: "He's so down and demoralised he hasn't even been able to get himself motivated to take the dogs for a walk.

"He used to do it regularly but recently he can't even bring himself to go out."

The duke will spend Christmas at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, after handing back invitations to the Royal Family's Christmas lunch.

Sarah has taken on a caring role for her former husband, recently revealing in an interview how she "became a carer for dad" when her sister moved to Australia.

"I was left to look after a sad man, which is sort of what I'm doing now," she added, shedding light on their current domestic arrangements.

Fergie was credited with convincing Andrew to skip Thursday's family lunch at Buckingham Palace and the Christmas Day celebrations at Sandringham.

Around 43 royals will gather at Sandringham for the festivities, whilst the Yorks remain at Royal Lodge.

The couple share custody of corgis Muick and Sandy, which were given to the late Queen by Andrew during the Covid lockdown to lift her spirits.

The two corgis were later given to Andrew and Sarah following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022.

Sarah also owns five Norfolk terriers, bringing their total number of dogs requiring daily exercise to seven.

The late Queen, who owned more than 30 corgis and dorgis throughout her life, was often accompanied by Fergie on walks around Windsor Castle's grounds towards the end of her reign.

Now, Andrew sends Palace staff, described as "flunkies" by insiders, to exercise all the dogs.

Andrew's troubles have mounted significantly over the past year, with fresh embarrassment heaped on the Royal Family after he was linked to an alleged Chinese spy who has since been banned from the UK.

The Royal Household is investigating claims Andrew invited the individual into Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and St James's Palace.

MI5 is also investigating the allegation that Andrew received money from China.

The prince has faced humiliation from two big-budget TV shows this year, dramatising his Newsnight interview and links to Jeffrey Epstein.

He remains embroiled in a battle with King Charles over his residence at Royal Lodge, having steadfastly refused his brother's offer to move to Frogmore Cottage.

Palace aides have reportedly dubbed Andrew the "Duke of Hazard" following his multiple public scandals.