The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is set to enjoy one final Christmas at his long-term home, Royal Lodge, before commencing his permanent relocation to Sandringham in the New Year.
This arrangement provides welcome relief for the Royal Family, as it ensures the 65-year-old will not be present at the King's private Norfolk estate during the festive season when senior royals traditionally gather. Insiders have described a situation with Andrew at Sandringham as "suboptimal" and "quite awkward".
Avoiding the 'Big House'
A source confirmed, "He won’t be anywhere near the Big House", referencing the nickname for the monarch's residence on the Sandringham estate. The annual tradition sees the family, led by King Charles, walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning before returning to Sandringham House for a meal.
While Buckingham Palace announced last month that the King had decided to strip his brother of his remaining royal duties and move him from Windsor, it stated this would happen "as soon as practicable". The actual move has been delayed due to the significant logistical challenge of packing up Andrew's belongings from the ten-bedroom Royal Lodge, a home he has occupied for over 30 years.
The Logistical and Financial Hurdles
The Daily Mail reports that the "practicalities" of the move are substantial. Furthermore, Andrew must negotiate the early termination of his 75-year lease on the property from the Crown Estate. This has raised concerns that he could be in line for compensation due to the work he has carried out on the property.
Having the disgraced royal physically close to the family at Christmas would have made the King's decision appear more contentious. Andrew's association with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has cost him his royal status, though he continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Sandringham: A Private Solution
Sandringham was chosen as Andrew's new residence specifically because it is the King's private estate. This allows Andrew's living arrangements, and crucially the funding for them, to be handled behind closed doors. In contrast, Royal Lodge sits on Crown Estate land, the profits from which go directly to the Government.
Despite the eviction, it has been confirmed that both of Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, will retain their titles. This decision is reportedly part of a "secret deal" reached between the King and his brother, which has now strengthened the prospects of the two princesses. Beatrice, 37, has recently been appointed as the new Deputy Patron of the charity Outward Bound, which has close links to the Royal Family.
