Prince Andrew is poised to dramatically reject a proposed move to a modest cottage on the Sandringham estate, as he and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson face eviction from their long-term Windsor home, Royal Lodge. The disgraced royal is instead reportedly looking at a life abroad, while the Duchess of York is set to remain in the UK, supported by her daughters.
A Royal Eviction and a Humble Offer
Following King Charles III's formal decision to strip his younger brother of his royal titles and military patronages, the focus shifted to the Duke and Duchess of York's lavish 30-room residence, Royal Lodge. Despite holding an "iron-clad" lease with the Crown Estate, which prevented forced removal, Andrew has now agreed to relinquish the property. The initial timeline for their departure early in 2026 has reportedly slipped, with the handover of keys now expected later than first planned.
In place of Royal Lodge, the King has offered Andrew alternative accommodation on the private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The property in question, Marsh Farm, is described as a collection of buildings in need of serious renovation. However, royal experts believe the former prince will firmly decline this option, viewing it as an unacceptable downgrade.
Andrew's Eyes on a Luxurious Exit
Royal biographer Robert Jobson told People magazine that he believes Andrew will seek refuge in the Middle East, leveraging connections from his past role as a UK trade envoy. "The King saw the King of Bahrain the other day. One never knows - it could be a place where Andrew gets the recognition of being the second son of Queen Elizabeth, rather than this," Jobson stated.
He pointed to a precedent set by other figures, such as the abdicated King Juan Carlos I of Spain, who retreated to the region to escape scrutiny. "Other disgraced people have gone to the Middle East. Andrew did a lot of business in Bahrain, and he's still relatively young," Jobson added. "I just can't see him being on an isolated farm in Sandringham."
Biographer Andrew Lownie, who has written extensively about the couple, echoed this sentiment. "He doesn't like the sound of being on the Sandringham estate, I think he wants to go somewhere where he can just get away from everything," Lownie said.
Fergie's Fight and Family Support
While Andrew may be looking overseas, Sarah Ferguson will not be joining him in this potential exodus. The Duchess, who has lived in the Windsor area for decades, is reportedly seeking a new home of her own nearby. Both of her daughters have offered her accommodation.
Princess Eugenie, who owns a seaside mansion in an exclusive area of Portugal, has reportedly set aside a "grand suite" for her mother. Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice has offered a converted cattle shed on her Cotswolds property as a potential "granny annexe." A source close to Fergie emphasised her resilient character, describing her as nothing if not a "fighter" who has repeatedly reinvented herself in the public eye.
Lownie offered a analysis of her strategy: "She just plays the victim, and that plays well in the States. She says, 'Well, I can pick myself up, it's my own fault, I'll be different in the future, that was a different person,' and then she just goes and repeats the mistakes all over again."
Ongoing Scrutiny and the Path Ahead
The couple's future plans unfold against a backdrop of renewed scrutiny. The recent release of the Epstein files has once again placed their past associations with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell under the microscope. Both were pictured in the document dump during the festive period, though their inclusion is not necessarily indicative of personal wrongdoing.
The coming months will reveal whether Prince Andrew chooses a life of secluded exile in Norfolk or a more opulent, distanced existence abroad, as Sarah Ferguson carves out a new, independent chapter firmly on British soil.
