King Charles has ordered his brother, the former Duke of York, to vacate the Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor, with staff working frantically to erase all evidence of his presence. The monarch brought forward the deadline last month after Andrew was repeatedly mentioned in documents linked to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew denies any wrongdoing.
In recent days, royal staff have been clearing remaining belongings from the 30-room property, including staff accommodation where Andrew was attended to around the clock. Multiple skips have been filled and removed, while removal lorries have been spotted arriving and departing. Staff have also been burning unwanted possessions, according to reports.
One source revealed: '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 do it. Everything has to be out by the weekend and we've been told no trace of the former occupants or staff should remain.' Palace insiders confirmed that burnt furniture and other belongings were the property of Andrew's former employees.
The once-bustling Royal Lodge appeared almost abandoned last week, with no guards visible at the gatehouse entrance. Photographs from above showed a skip filled to capacity near the rear of the property, and a second skip at the front. On Tuesday, a former valet was observed burning possessions, including furniture, on the grounds. On Wednesday, removal workers loaded items, including a mattress, into vans from JDL, a firm that previously worked on the Netflix series The Crown.
Andrew's departure, alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson who resided with him rent-free, marks the culmination of his dramatic downfall. The King has withdrawn his security detail and personal allowance, and Andrew will no longer have access to a valet or taxpayer funding. He was transported to Sandringham on 2nd February and has not returned to Windsor. He is expected to relocate to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom cottage refurbished at the King's expense.
