EXPOSED: Andrew’s Friend Shares REAL Reason He’s Leaving Royal Lodge Earlier Than Expected
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former Duke of York, is accelerating his departure from Royal Lodge in Windsor far sooner than anticipated, with removal vans actively spotted loading belongings in mid-January 2026. What was once projected as a drawn-out process—potentially lasting until October or at least Easter (April 5, 2026)—now appears set to conclude within weeks, possibly before his 66th birthday on February 19.
A close friend speaking to The Sun provided the clearest insight yet into this shift: Andrew has “finally decided he needs to get on with his life” and is “starting afresh by the end of the month, or at least before his birthday.” This marks a psychological turning point for the 65-year-old, who has clung to the 30-room Crown Estate property for nearly two decades despite intense pressure following his 2019 withdrawal from public duties and the 2025 stripping of his royal titles amid longstanding controversies.
The accelerated timeline coincides with visible action: Multiple reports confirm removal lorries arriving and departing Royal Lodge since January 14, 2026, with some belongings—including reportedly his extensive teddy bear collection—transported to secure storage in London. This is no minor relocation; it signals a full-scale clear-out.
A Clean Break from Sarah Ferguson
A key factor in Andrew’s readiness to move appears tied to the end of his long-standing cohabitation with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Divorced since 1996, the pair maintained an unconventional post-divorce arrangement at Royal Lodge, sharing the residence since the early 2000s and presenting a united front that often puzzled observers.
Now, for the first time in nearly 20 years, they are set to live separately. Sources indicate Sarah will not join Andrew at his next residence and is instead “ready to spread her wings,” house-hunting independently in the Windsor area or considering temporary stays, such as Princess Eugenie’s home in Portugal. This separation—described as a mutual decision to pursue “separate lives” beyond family involvement—may have removed a major anchor keeping Andrew tied to the Windsor property.
Friends suggest Andrew views the move as a deliberate fresh start, using his upcoming birthday as a symbolic milestone to close an uncomfortable chapter. The friend’s account portrays him as resigned yet proactive, accepting the reality of his diminished circumstances rather than resisting further.
The Destination: Marsh Farm and Temporary Housing
Andrew’s next chapter centers on Marsh Farm, a modest former farmhouse on King Charles’s privately owned Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Described as run-down and requiring extensive upgrades—including security fencing, CCTV, lighting, Sky TV installation, and pest control for issues like moles and mice (exacerbated by the estate’s no-cats policy)—the property is undergoing rapid renovations.
Due to the ongoing work, Andrew will not move directly in. Instead, he is expected to occupy temporary accommodation elsewhere on the Sandringham estate while preparations continue, with hopes of full settlement by Easter. This interim step, funded privately by King Charles, underscores efforts to expedite the Windsor exit.
The contrast is stark: Royal Lodge offered grandeur and proximity to Windsor’s royal infrastructure; Marsh Farm is rural, functional, and carries documented flood plain risks from nearby wetlands and pumping stations, though no immediate threats are reported.
Broader Implications
This swift relocation ends the so-called “Siege of Royal Lodge,” a years-long standoff over lease terms, maintenance costs, and Andrew’s continued presence. With formal notice served and pressure from the Crown Estate and family, the move reflects acceptance of a more marginal, private existence—far from public duties or rehabilitation attempts.
Sarah Ferguson’s independent path adds another layer, potentially influenced by her own financial and personal challenges over the years. As Andrew prepares for a quieter life in Norfolk, the transition highlights the lasting fallout from past scandals and the royal family’s push for resolution.
Will this prove a genuine new beginning for Andrew, or another reluctant adjustment? The coming weeks will reveal more as the vans continue their work and the couple’s paths diverge.