Prince Andrew has officially departed the opulent Royal Lodge, his 30-room Windsor residence for over two decades, relocating to a considerably more modest five-bedroom farmhouse on the Sandringham Estate. The move, confirmed to have occurred on Monday night, marks a significant downgrade in royal accommodation for the disgraced former Duke of York.
A Dramatic Shift in Royal Living Standards
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has left behind the Grade II listed Royal Lodge, a sprawling Georgian mansion set within 98 acres of land west of London. This lavish property, historically occupied by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for five decades until her death in 2002, features seven bedrooms and a central three-storey section with two-storey wings. In stark contrast, his new permanent home, Marsh Farm, is described by royal insiders as 'modest', comprising a kitchen, two reception rooms, and various outbuildings and stables.
The Background to the Forced Relocation
This relocation follows the October decision to strip Prince Andrew of his royal titles and military affiliations, with a direct order to vacate the Royal Lodge. The move coincides with renewed scrutiny from the recent release of millions of files by the US Department of Justice, which detail his connections with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among the disclosed documents are email exchanges suggesting private meetings and compromising photographs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly urged the former prince to testify before a US congressional committee regarding his dealings with Epstein, stating that anyone with relevant information should be prepared to share it. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Details of the New Residence and Arrangements
The Marsh Farm property is situated on the slightly smaller Sandringham Estate, a royal compound personally owned by King Charles. According to BBC reports, Prince Andrew will bear the costs associated with this new residence. He is expected to make a brief return to Windsor to collect his remaining personal belongings. Notably, his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, will not be joining him at the new farmhouse.
The Royal Lodge itself holds significant historical value, with its current structure dating to the 19th century and expanded in the 1930s by the future King George VI. Prince Andrew had resided there since 2003, enjoying its extensive grounds and grandeur until the recent controversies necessitated this substantial lifestyle change.
