Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been forced out of Royal Lodge, his longtime 30-room residence in Windsor Great Park. The move occurred earlier than anticipated, on the night of February 2, 2026 (Monday), under cover of darkness to avoid public attention. He was driven approximately 132 miles to the King’s private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he now resides.
This relocation follows King Charles III’s October 30, 2025, decision to strip him of his royal titles, style (His Royal Highness), and honors—reducing him to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—and to terminate his 75-year lease on Royal Lodge. The lease, secured in 2003 with a nominal “peppercorn” rent after an initial £1 million payment, had long been a point of public criticism amid the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing scrutiny over his past associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
The eviction accelerated due to the latest release of Epstein-related files in late January/early February 2026, which included new allegations, emails, and photographs reigniting controversy. Reports indicate police are assessing these claims, though Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Sources describe the departure as prompted by an urgent discussion between King Charles and Prince William, with the King reportedly deciding “enough was enough” to remove him from public view in Windsor.
Currently, Andrew is staying temporarily at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate—a property previously used by Prince Philip in retirement—while renovations continue on his intended permanent residence, Marsh Farm. Marsh Farm is a modest, five-bedroom former farmhouse near Wolferton, described in media as “ramshackle,” “shoebox-sized,” and significantly less luxurious than Royal Lodge. It lacks features like live-in staff quarters or extensive garaging for vehicles, and renovations include security upgrades such as a six-foot fence, CCTV, and other measures. He is expected to move there possibly by early April 2026, though exact timing depends on completion of work.
The Sandringham arrangement is privately funded by King Charles, avoiding taxpayer costs for accommodation and security. This places Andrew about 1.5–2 miles from Sandringham House, creating deliberate geographic distance from the main royal family gatherings and activities. Sarah Ferguson, his ex-wife who had lived with him at Royal Lodge since 2008 in a post-divorce arrangement, is not relocating with him to Sandringham. She is independently considering her options, potentially in Windsor or elsewhere (including possibilities like staying near family), and has been described as ready to “spread her wings” after years of support.
This marks a profound downgrade: from a grand Georgian mansion with private chapel, pool, aviary, sunken garden, and staff accommodations to a much smaller, rural property requiring adjustments Andrew has never faced independently. The move symbolizes isolation—both social and ceremonial—while the royal family focuses on containing reputational damage. Andrew may return briefly to Windsor for remaining belongings, but Norfolk is now his official base.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing media speculation about long-term implications, though no evidence suggests immediate further escalation or dramatic actions from Andrew. The monarchy continues operations without his involvement. What aspect of these developments stands out to you—the rapid timing of the move, the contrast in living conditions, or the persistent Epstein shadow?
