Royal Staff Granted Discretion to Decline Service to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Staff employed by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have reportedly received instructions that they may choose not to serve the former prince at his new residence if they feel uncomfortable doing so. This development follows Andrew's recent relocation from Windsor's Royal Lodge, where he resided for over two decades, after his reputation suffered due to associations with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Controversial Move to Sandringham Cottage
The former Duke of York has moved into Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he will stay temporarily until Marsh Farm manor becomes available in April. According to insider sources, several staff members have already refused to work for Andrew, citing personal discomfort. A source disclosed to the Sun: "They've been told they don't have to serve Andrew or work for him if they feel uncomfortable. There is already quite a list saying no thanks. There is understandably a lot of disquiet as he is now a total pariah."
Concerns have been raised that Andrew might become entrenched at Wood Farm, making it difficult to relocate him once Marsh Farm is ready. The source added: "But there is also a worry that once he gets comfortable at Wood Farm while Marsh Farm is being finished, they will never get him out again."
Media Frenzy and Local Discontent
Andrew's departure from Royal Lodge occurred discreetly, with removal trucks seen leaving the Windsor estate under cover of darkness. The arrival at Wood Farm has sparked significant media attention, transforming the nearby village of Wolferton into a hub for photographers, television crews, and even a helicopter. Local residents have expressed frustration over the disruption. One anonymous villager commented: "I think if he has to come and live here, it should be somewhere that's quite secluded. There are houses that belong to the King that he could go to that wouldn't cause anybody any bother. The press are all down there. The villagers don't like that."
Ongoing Allegations and Police Assessment
The controversy surrounding Andrew has been further fuelled by recent allegations emerging from the latest batch of Epstein files. These documents claim that Andrew requested an erotic dancer for a threesome at Epstein's Florida residence, reportedly leading to staff unrest. Additionally, a fresh police investigation is assessing reports that Epstein allegedly arranged for a second woman to have a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010. The woman, who was in her twenties and not British, was reportedly given a tour of Buckingham Palace afterwards.
Brad Edwards, a lawyer who previously represented Andrew's accuser Virginia Giuffre, has brought these allegations to light. Thames Valley Police stated: "We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures. We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward." The police noted that the allegations have not yet been formally reported by the lawyer or client involved.
Andrew has consistently denied all accusations of wrongdoing. The 65-year-old former prince remains a figure of significant public and media scrutiny as these developments unfold.
