The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, faces a fresh complication in his dramatic relocation from Royal Lodge, as his reported new home on the Sandringham Estate is at significant risk of flooding.
Forced Exit from Royal Lodge
The disgraced former prince was compelled to relinquish the lease on his 30-room Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge, back in October 2024, following the stripping of his royal titles. Both he and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has resided with him since 2008, must vacate the property by January 25, 2026.
In recent days, removal lorries have been spotted at the Windsor estate, with Andrew's belongings, including precious art, already stored in a secured South London warehouse. Reports suggest Sarah Ferguson will not be moving into Andrew's new property and is instead considering other options, including a potential stay with their daughter, Princess Eugenie, in Portugal.
Marsh Farm: A Problematic Sanctuary
While Buckingham Palace has not officially confirmed the move, it is widely believed Andrew will take up residence at Marsh Farm, a property on the King's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Workmen have been seen preparing the farmhouse, and a large fence has been erected for privacy.
However, the property is located on a flood plain. A flood risk assessment for the nearby Wolferton Barns, conducted last year by Ellingham Consulting, highlighted the danger. It stated that failure of the local Wolferton Pumping Station, which drains the marshland, could lead to flooding.
The assessment advised it would be "prudent" for the owner to be added to the Environment Agency's flood warning system. It noted that emergency action with temporary pumps would be required if the main station suffered a mechanical breakdown or power cut.
Uncertain Future and Temporary Lodgings
With renovations ongoing at Marsh Farm, it is understood that Andrew will move into temporary accommodation before potentially settling at the Norfolk property around Easter. This flooding threat adds another layer of difficulty to what has already been a tumultuous period for the former royal, following the release of court documents relating to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal shortly before Christmas.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and being named in the files does not equate to criminal guilt. Nevertheless, the prospect of his new rural retreat being vulnerable to inundation presents an unexpected and unwelcome challenge as he seeks a more private life away from the public eye.
