Residents near the Sandringham estate have expressed strong opposition to Prince Andrew's planned move, with some calling him a 'horrible man' and stating he is 'not welcome'. The former Duke of York, stripped of his royal titles last week, will relocate from Royal Lodge in Windsor to a property on the Queen's private estate in Norfolk.
The move, originally expected to take place before Christmas, has been delayed until after the festive period to avoid an awkward encounter during the Royal Family's traditional gathering at Sandringham. The process of vacating Royal Lodge is described as 'protracted' due to legal complications surrounding the lease.
Susan Larkins, 70, a retired office worker from nearby South Wootton, said: 'He's a horrible man. We don't want him up here.' Jackie Cruickshank, 72, a retired carer from King's Lynn, voiced concerns that Andrew could be 'hounded' by photographers. His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, may continue to live with him at the Sandringham property, though sources suggest she is unlikely to do so.
The lease on Royal Lodge, signed in 2003, required Andrew to pay £1 million upfront and at least £7.5 million in refurbishments. He has paid only a nominal rent of one peppercorn per year since. Under the agreement, surrender of the lease entitles him to a compensatory sum of £185,865 per year until the 25th year, but the Crown Estate will consider the property's condition when assessing any compensation.
