Former Duke of York on private-funded trip to France

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, reportedly traveled to France for a privately funded holiday in late May, a trip that has drawn public attention amid ongoing police investigations into his conduct. The 66-year-old is said to have been the guest of UAE-based businessman Mohammed A. Baker at his MAB Stables horse-breeding estate near Saint-Malo in Brittany from May 30 to June 1.

According to reports, the former prince traveled by private jet from Norwich to Dinard Airport. During the three-day stay, he reportedly rode horses on a nearby beach, played boules, and was served meals by a private chef. The trip was described as fully organized and paid for by his host. A local French racehorse trainer, Arthur Desprez, confirmed that Mountbatten-Windsor was a guest at Baker's house, accompanied by a single bodyguard.

Just days after returning to his home at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, Mountbatten-Windsor was photographed on June 4 with a prominent facial bruise. The mark, which has since healed, was visible during a drive near his residence. The timing has led to speculation, though no cause for the injury has been established.