The disgraced Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is facing a delayed and potentially awkward departure from his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, with his eviction now expected around Easter 2026.
Easter Deadline Set for Windsor Departure
Having spent what is believed to be his final Christmas at the property, the 65-year-old former prince is preparing to leave the home he has occupied for over two decades. King Charles III formally stripped his brother of his HRH style, princely title, and dukedom in October 2025, following continued fallout from Andrew's association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. While an exit at the start of the new year was initially anticipated, sources now indicate the King wants him gone by Easter, when the wider royal family traditionally gathers at Windsor.
Renovation Delays Cause a Housing Dilemma
The plan is for Andrew to relocate to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom property on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. However, this move is now complicated by significant practical issues. Reports state the farmhouse, situated around seven miles from the main Sandringham House, is considered "quite small" and requires extensive work to make it habitable and secure.
A royal insider revealed that approximately six months of renovations are needed before Andrew can move in. This has created a major logistical problem, as Andrew is reportedly strongly resisting a temporary move to another, smaller property while the work at Marsh Farm is completed. Consequently, he could be left without an immediate place to stay after leaving Royal Lodge.
A Royal Family Seeking Closure
The situation underscores the ongoing effort by the monarchy to distance itself from the scandal surrounding Andrew. Biographer Robert Jobson noted, "The royals are hoping to draw a line under the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor controversy in 2026." The extension of a no-fly zone over Sandringham to include Marsh Farm indicates the continued security and privacy concerns his presence entails.
Andrew's exile was cemented after the publication of a posthumous memoir by his accuser, Virginia Giuffre, and the release of documents from Epstein's estate. These included a 2011 email from Andrew to Epstein stating "we're in this together," sent months after he claimed to have severed contact. Andrew continues to deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
With the Easter deadline looming and renovations at Marsh Farm ongoing, the King's brother faces an uncertain few months, with the royal family keen to finalise his removal from the Windsor spotlight.
