Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is quietly establishing his new existence in rural seclusion on the Sandringham estate, aided by discreet early morning grocery deliveries from Waitrose. A van from the upmarket supermarket chain was observed shortly after dawn on Friday, navigating the three-hundred-yard driveway to Wood Farm, where the former prince has resided since Monday.
Extended Waitrose Delivery Hints at Substantial Provisions
The Waitrose driver remained at the five-bedroom farmhouse in Wolferton village for approximately fifteen minutes, significantly longer than a standard household delivery slot. This duration suggests multiple boxes of food were unloaded, indicating substantial provisioning for the household. Waitrose, which received a Royal warrant from King Charles in May 2024, is famously favoured by other royals, including the Princess of Wales during her Norfolk visits.
Secluded Arrival and Canine Companions
Andrew has not been seen publicly since his arrival under cover of darkness on Monday at Wood Farm, once the retirement home of his late father, Prince Philip. A well-placed source reported he appeared in good spirits, accompanied by several dogs. These are believed to include two of his late mother's corgis, Muick and Sandy, which he inherited after Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, alongside his own Norfolk terriers. The source noted, "He was smiling when I saw him. He seems happy enough, and has his dogs with him."
Shift from Temporary to Permanent Residence
Initially, Andrew was expected to stay at Wood Farm only briefly before moving permanently to Marsh Farm, half a mile away, once renovations were complete. However, he reportedly raised concerns about Marsh Farm's suitability, citing security and privacy issues due to its proximity to a public road. Consequently, renovation work at Marsh Farm has halted abruptly, with a half-built fence and no activity for over a week.
In contrast, builders and ground workers have been active all week at Wood Farm, with vans, flatbed trucks, and deliveries like mobile toilets and soil removal observed. This activity implies King Charles may have relented, allowing Andrew to reside at Wood Farm full-time. The farmhouse's secluded location, hidden by trees and bushes, offers greater privacy, addressing Andrew's preferences and concerns expressed by other royal household members.
Local Reactions and Unwanted Attention
Local villagers in Wolferton have expressed apprehension about Andrew's presence, fearing increased media attention in the quiet community, which lacks a shop or pub. Many residents are tenants of estate-owned homes, identifiable by their duck-egg blue doors, making them reluctant to speak publicly. One villager remarked, "He is not very popular and I don't see why we should be lumbered with him. He is just going to attract a load of media attention and put Wolferton on the map for all the wrong reasons."
Adding to the controversy, fake "Public Safety Announcement" notices featuring Andrew's picture and references to Jeffrey Epstein were posted around Sandringham on Thursday, though swiftly removed. The perpetrator remains unknown.
Historical Significance and Future Prospects
Wood Farm holds historical royal significance, having been a favourite retreat for the late Queen and Prince Philip, and used for shooting party lunches. If Andrew stays permanently, it may alter these traditions, though alternative estate huts are available. The farmhouse was also the retirement home of Prince Philip from 2017 until 2020 and previously housed Prince John, the youngest son of George V, who lived there in seclusion until his death at age thirteen in 1919.
Andrew's new surroundings offer ample opportunities for his hobbies, including horse riding on estate stables and private tracks, and walking in fields grazed by sheep and growing organic crops. The area backs onto The Wash foreshore and is near the RSPB reserve at Snettisham, known for spectacular bird gatherings. A strict no-fly zone over parts of the estate, including Wood Farm, enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority, will protect his privacy from drone surveillance.
For spiritual solace, Andrew could attend services at St Peter's church in Wolferton, a favourite of the late Queen and recently visited by King Charles and Camilla. As he adapts to this secluded life, the ongoing renovations and extended Waitrose deliveries suggest a settled, if controversial, new chapter at Sandringham.
