Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted with a huge mystery bruise across his face near his Sandringham home.
The shamed former prince was in a car leaving Marsh Farm on the King’s estate in Norfolk today.
He was sporting a large purple bruise that covered his right eye and most of his cheek.
It is unclear how or when the former Duke of York obtained the mark.
However, a source close to Andrew told The Telegraph that the bruise is not a ’cause for concern’.
They added that there had been ‘no drama’, no accident or attack but declined to give further details due to medical confidentially.
Andrew, who enjoys horse riding, remains under police investigation after he was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted with a huge mystery bruise across his face near his Sandringham home
Andrew was sporting a large purple bruise that covered his right eye and most of his cheek
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen horse riding with his groom near Windsor Castle in Berkshire in January
He has rarely been seen in public since a security scare at Sandringham last month.
The disgraced royal had been walking the late Queen Elizabeth’s corgis when he was approached by a balaclava-clad man who allegedly ran towards him.
The suspect was apparently agitated and shouted at him from 50 yards away.
Andrew, who was with a bodyguard, ran back towards his own car and drove off at speed.
He was said to have been left ‘shaken’ by the incident and was asked for a statement, as was his personal protection officer.
Meanwhile, Andrew has also been facing fresh allegations relating to his friendship with the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
It was revealed last week that police were investigating claims that Andrew allegedly behaved inappropriately towards a woman who was working as a waitress at Royal Ascot.
The claim, dating back almost a quarter of a century, is now being examined by detectives as part of a much wider investigation into Andrew over alleged misconduct in public office.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred during Royal Ascot in June 2002, when Queen Elizabeth attended the prestigious Berkshire racing festival as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.
At the time, Andrew was a prominent member of the Royal Family and was photographed attending the meeting alongside his brothers, the future King and Prince Edward.
It was revealed last week that police were investigating claims that Andrew allegedly behaved inappropriately towards a woman during the event.
The woman is understood to have been working as a temporary waitress hired for the festival, which employs hundreds of additional hospitality staff each year to cater for guests in the royal enclosure and exclusive hospitality areas.
It remains unclear whether the allegation was ever formally reported at the time. Sources suggest racecourse management may not have been informed of the alleged incident in 2002.
The development comes as Thames Valley Police continue an increasingly wide-ranging investigation into Andrew following his arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The 66-year-old was held for 11 hours before being released under investigation.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Originally focused on his decade-long role as Britain’s trade envoy between 2001 and 2011, the investigation has since expanded significantly.
Detectives are examining allegations linked to his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and are also considering whether other offences may have been committed.
The inquiry has already reached senior figures connected to Andrew’s former public roles.
Former Business Secretary Vince Cable has confirmed that police contacted him regarding the wider investigation and requested a witness statement.
Meanwhile, fresh questions have emerged over claims that emails allegedly showing Andrew sharing confidential government information with a business associate were passed to Buckingham Palace several years ago.
The documents reportedly formed part of a High Court dispute involving businessman Jonathan Rowland and were allegedly forwarded to the lord chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, in 2020.
The King has previously indicated that he would fully cooperate with any police investigation involving his brother.
Buckingham Palace said: ‘Since there is an ongoing police inquiry concerning Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, it is not possible to provide any comment on these matters.’
