King Charles has ordered his brother, the Duke of York, to completely vacate the Royal Lodge in Windsor by the weekend, with aides racing to remove any trace of the disgraced former royal. The monarch brought forward the deadline after Andrew was repeatedly named in the latest tranche of files relating to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew had lived in the 30-room mansion for more than 20 years, paying a peppercorn rent after signing an initial lease worth £7.5 million in 2002. He denies any wrongdoing. In recent days, royal aides have been clearing out remaining possessions, including from staff quarters, with skips and removal vans seen coming and going. Staff have also been burning unwanted belongings.
One source said: 'Andrew was told everything has to be out and absolutely nothing was to be left behind. He hasn’t been back to collect anything, leaving staff to clear everything. Everything has to be out by the weekend and we’ve been told no trace of the former occupants or staff should remain.' Palace sources insisted that burning furniture belonged to Andrew's former staff.
The Royal Lodge estate appeared largely deserted last week, with no guards at the gatehouse. Removal vans from JDL, which worked on Netflix's The Crown, were seen loading items including a mattress. Andrew has not returned since leaving for Sandringham on 2 February, where he is now staying at Wood Farm. In coming days he is expected to move to a nearby five-bedroom cottage, Marsh Farm, which has undergone extensive renovations.
Andrew’s exit from Royal Lodge, along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, cements his fall from grace. The King has stripped his round-the-clock security, personal allowance, and valet, and his titles and honours were removed last October.
