Disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been forced to leave his Windsor residence at Royal Lodge significantly earlier than originally planned, with sources suggesting King Charles' patience finally ran out following a series of damaging developments.
Under Cover of Darkness Departure
The former Duke of York made his departure from the Windsor mansion under the cover of darkness, moving to the Sandringham estate where he will begin what many are calling his new life away from the public eye. This sudden relocation occurred despite Andrew's reported intention to remain at Royal Lodge for a longer period.
A friend close to the situation told The Sun newspaper: "He had planned to cling on at Royal Lodge a little longer, but with the latest batch of Epstein files it was made clear to him that it was time to go." The source added that the departure proved so humiliating for Andrew that he specifically chose to execute it during nighttime hours to avoid public scrutiny.
Public Appearances That Backfired
Recent public sightings of Andrew appear to have significantly contributed to the accelerated timeline for his departure. Over the weekend preceding his move, the former prince was photographed driving his car and waving while horseback riding around Windsor, presenting what many perceived as a carefree demeanour.
These images reportedly did not sit well with senior members of the Royal Household, who felt Andrew's visible enjoyment contrasted sharply with the serious allegations surrounding him. The friend explained: "The fact he's been seen driving around Windsor laughing and looking like he hasn't a care in the world hasn't gone down well with the Royal Household."
Epstein Documents and Police Assessment
The timing of Andrew's accelerated departure coincides with the release of new Jeffrey Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice, which feature multiple references to the former duke. These documents include images apparently showing Andrew crouched over an unidentified woman in what appears to be Epstein's New York mansion.
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are assessing allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein specifically for a sexual encounter with Andrew. A police spokesperson stated: "We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures."
Transitional Living Arrangements
While Andrew's ultimate destination is Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate, this property is not yet fully prepared for occupancy. The former prince is therefore believed to be temporarily residing at Wood Farm Cottage until Marsh Farm becomes ready, expected by early April.
Although Andrew technically retains the lease for Royal Lodge until October, he has already completed the substantive portion of his relocation. The full transition to Sandringham will likely take several weeks to finalise completely, meaning Andrew may occasionally return to Royal Lodge during this period.
Historical Context and Financial Settlements
This latest development continues Andrew's dramatic fall from royal grace, which began in earnest in 2022 when he paid millions of pounds to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he maintains he never met. The situation worsened last year when King Charles stripped Andrew of his remaining royal titles following the posthumous publication of Ms Giuffre's book detailing her allegations.
The released Epstein documents also reveal email exchanges between Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and the convicted sex offender. In one particularly striking message, Sarah Ferguson appears to tell Epstein: "I am at your service. Just marry me," while Andrew seemingly invites Epstein to Buckingham Palace in another communication.
As Andrew begins this new chapter at Sandringham, royal observers note the symbolic significance of his relocation from a prominent Windsor residence to a more secluded Norfolk estate, representing what many interpret as his permanent marginalisation from the core royal family operations.
