Prince Andrew Relocates to Sandringham Estate Amid Epstein Document Controversy
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has reportedly vacated his Windsor residence and relocated to a property on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. This development comes as newly released court documents relating to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continue to generate significant public and legal scrutiny.
Temporary Accommodation at Wood Farm Cottage
According to information obtained by the Press Association, the former prince has taken up temporary residence at Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham estate. This move was initially reported by the Sun newspaper and represents a significant geographical shift from his previous home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
It is understood that Andrew's permanent new residence will be Marsh Farm, which is situated adjacent to Wood Farm Cottage. However, renovations at Marsh Farm are not yet complete, with the former duke expected to fully transition to this property by the beginning of April. Despite this temporary arrangement, Andrew is believed to have already completed the substantive portion of his relocation from Windsor.
Lease Arrangements and Ongoing Presence at Windsor
The relocation does not represent a complete severance from his Windsor property. Andrew still maintains the lease for Royal Lodge until October, and it is anticipated that he may occasionally be seen at the property over the coming weeks as the final stages of the move are completed. Sources indicate that this planned move was scheduled for the new year and is not directly connected to the recent revelations contained within the Epstein documents.
Police Assessment of New Allegations
This residential transition coincides with Thames Valley Police confirming they are assessing allegations regarding a woman who was reportedly sent to the United Kingdom by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew. The allegations, which have not been formally reported to police by either the lawyer involved or their client, concern events said to have occurred in 2010.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police 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. We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward."
Epstein Document Revelations and International Response
The recently unsealed documents from the US Department of Justice contain multiple references to Andrew, including:
- Images apparently showing him crouched over an unidentified woman in what appears to be Epstein's New York mansion
- Email exchanges between Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and Epstein
- An introduction by Epstein to a woman described as "26, Russian, clevere (sic) beautiful, trustworthy"
- A message from Andrew to Epstein stating: "Wish I was still a pet in your family"
These revelations have prompted international political responses, with US Vice President JD Vance telling the Daily Mail that he would support efforts to summon Andrew to testify before US lawmakers regarding his friendship with Epstein. Vance referenced comments made by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the matter, stating: "I'm certainly open to it."
Historical Context and Previous Settlements
Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing throughout the various allegations that have emerged in recent years. In 2022, the former duke paid millions of pounds to settle a civil case with Virginia Giuffre, his primary accuser, while maintaining he had never met her.
The controversy culminated last year when King Charles III stripped Andrew of his military affiliations and royal patronages following the posthumous publication of a book by Ms Giuffre. In her account, she alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell when she was seventeen years old.
The former prince spent Tuesday at Wood Farm Cottage ahead of his anticipated move to the renovated Marsh Farm, marking a new chapter in his residential arrangements as legal and political scrutiny surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein continues to evolve.
