Andrew's unlikely ally releases bombshell statement after digraced royal's arrest

The woman who offered Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor refuge at her Scottish castle has issued a damning new statement, revealing that she still has "sympathy" for the disgraced ex-Duke of York. Following the news that Andrew was being stripped of his titles and evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor, Lady Carbisdale reached out and offered him her home, believing he was being "hounded unfairly".

Despite subsequently withdrawing her offer after she faced a furious backlash, Lady Carbisdale, a successful businesswoman and barrister, still believes "we are all subject to human error." Speaking to the Daily Express, she said: "I continue to have sympathy for the former Prince Andrew.

"This is a man who has lost everything. Ultimately, humanity must assert its rights, and people must understand that we are all subject to human error."

"I'm not sure whether his prosecution will amount to anything. To start with, it will be impossible for him to have a fair hearing against the backdrop of the ubiquitous negative publicity surrounding his character, and it will damage the Royal Family and its standing around the world."

Lady Carbisdale concluded: "For this reason, I thought Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was more suited to be offered a remote retreat, to allow this matter to come to a close. My motive was to do my part for King and Country, and as one human to another."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has continuously denied any wrongdoing.

The barrister, who also goes by the name Samantha Kane, made her comments after Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was later released under investigation after 11 hours at Aylsham Police Station.

When she made her original offer after Andrew's eviction from Royal Lodge in Windsor had been announced, Lady Carbisdale wrote: "I am writing to the prince to offer my castle for his exclusive use - and that of his family, including his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.

"I feel strongly that he is being hounded unfairly. He remains innocent of these allegations. I am also prepared to offer to represent him against these allegations and over moves to oust him from his current property. I really think he has been treated badly...

"I believe the Prince, like anyone else, must not be judged by public opinion without a proper hearing, which he was not given." However, following threats of violence and criminal damage, she withdrew her offer.

Andrew subsequently moved to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate and is expected to relocate to nearby Marsh Farm once the renovations are complete.

Lady Carbisdale previously announced that she was putting her Highland castle up for sale in 2024, claiming locals were not ready for a transgender owner. She is thought to be the only person in the UK to have changed gender three times, having been born a boy.

Speaking at the time, she explained that the restoration “has been a labour of love mostly. But when people sit in their bedrooms writing on social media, they have to realise the effect that has on some people. I really have been quite hurt by comments on my gender identity, so now I think it just needs someone ...‘normal’ to take over." She went on to remove the castle's for-sale listing; however, it reappeared in April 2025 for £3.5 million.