The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have been forced to alter their Easter break plans because Prince Andrew remains in occupation of their preferred accommodation at Sandringham, sources have said.
Edward and Sophie wanted to stay at Wood Farm, the cottage previously used by the late Duke of Edinburgh, during their regular Easter visit to the King's Norfolk estate. However, Andrew has been living there since leaving Royal Lodge earlier this year and is reportedly slow to complete his move to Marsh Farm, another property on the estate that has undergone extensive refurbishments.
According to reports, the couple instead used a holiday let called Garden House, which costs up to £4,110 a week in peak season. A source said: 'Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge at Windsor but now has two homes at his disposal. He is just going back and forth between Wood Farm and Marsh Farm. It's got to be sorted as Edward and Sophie like to use Wood Farm.'
It was previously reported that Edward became the first and only relative to visit Andrew at Sandringham to urge him to speed up his move. Recent deliveries and the installation of television and broadband services at Marsh Farm suggest preparations are under way, while a mobile home for security staff has also been delivered.
The King has met the refurbishment costs for Marsh Farm due to his brother's strained finances, and last month reportedly brought forward the deadline for Andrew to clear Royal Lodge. The disgraced former duke, who has been stripped of his HRH style and dukedom, denies any wrongdoing in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
