Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Secret First Visit to Sandringham Exile Home Revealed
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has reportedly made his first secret visit to his new home at Marsh Farm on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he is expected to live out his exile from royal life. The disgraced royal is said to have conducted a reconnaissance of the property earlier this week, marking his initial viewing of what will become his permanent residence.
Imminent Departure from Royal Lodge
Large white removal lorries have been observed coming and going from Royal Lodge in Windsor, Andrew's current 30-room mansion, where he still resides with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson. It is understood that he will hand back the keys to this lavish property before his 66th birthday on February 19th, with some sources suggesting he could be gone by the end of this month. The imminent departure follows years of controversy surrounding his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Transition to Temporary Accommodation
Before settling permanently at Marsh Farm, Andrew is expected to move into a smaller temporary property on the Sandringham estate while final preparations are completed at his new home. The permanent relocation to Marsh Farm is anticipated to occur by Easter, following extensive renovation work to make the property habitable for the former prince.
Extensive Renovations at Marsh Farm
A team of workers has been diligently preparing Marsh Farm in Wolferton, just two miles from King Charles's Sandringham House, for Andrew's arrival. Significant improvements have been necessary to transform the previously empty farmhouse and surrounding outbuildings into suitable accommodation. Most notably, a substantial six-foot high wooden privacy fence has been erected around the perimeter, replacing the previous flimsy wire mesh that offered little seclusion from the nearby public road.
Additional work has included the installation of security lighting and the setup of Sky television services, with engineers spotted working on the property. Workers have also been observed using heavy machinery in the garden area as part of the renovation efforts. The property lies in the secluded village of Wolferton, which features a church and social club but lacks pubs or village shops.
Family Dynamics and Royal Distancing
The move to Marsh Farm represents a significant downgrade from Andrew's previous royal residences and reflects his diminished status within the monarchy. Interestingly, it is understood that Andrew had initially expressed interest in living at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, a five-bedroom cottage near the stables and pheasant shooting grounds previously occupied by Prince Philip after his retirement. However, concerns were reportedly raised that this location would position him "too close" to other members of the royal family.
The relocation coincides with reported family tensions, particularly with his younger daughter, Princess Eugenie. Recent reports suggest she has completely cut off contact with her father in the wake of the Epstein scandal, with sources describing the rift as comparable to that between the Beckhams. Meanwhile, his older daughter, Princess Beatrice, is said to be taking a more nuanced approach, attempting to maintain some contact while preserving her standing within the Royal Family.
Controversial Royal Lodge Arrangement
Andrew's departure from Royal Lodge brings to light controversial aspects of his previous living arrangement. Despite signing a 75-year lease in 2003 that included unique terms requiring no rent payment in exchange for an £8 million upfront refurbishment and ongoing maintenance commitments, not a single inspection was conducted by Crown Estate officials during his 22-year tenancy. This has raised concerns about a potential "sweetheart deal" at taxpayers' expense, particularly given the strict conditions outlined in the original lease agreement.
Broader Context of Royal Fall from Grace
Andrew's relocation to Marsh Farm represents the culmination of his dramatic fall from royal favour. After years of controversy surrounding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault (which he denies), Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019. He later paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of assault when she was a teenager trafficked by Epstein.
In 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II ordered him to stop using his HRH style and removed his honorary military roles. Last October, Andrew agreed to no longer use his Duke of York title, and just a fortnight later, King Charles stripped him of both his princely status and dukedom, rendering him Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—effectively a commoner for the first time in his life.
The drone ban over Sandringham was extended last autumn to cover Andrew's new patch, reflecting ongoing security considerations. As he prepares for this new chapter in his life, a friend quoted in reports suggests Andrew has "come to the conclusion that he has to get on with the rest of his life and accepts he has to make the best of it."
