The Duke of York has established a remarkably different lifestyle at Wood Farm, his secluded home on the Sandringham Estate, following his withdrawal from royal duties. The five-bedroom farmhouse offers the disgraced prince a sanctuary far from the public eye he once occupied.
A Royal Retreat from Public Life
Located on the northern edge of the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, Wood Farm provides Prince Andrew with the privacy he now requires. The property, previously favoured by the Duke of Edinburgh during his retirement, has become Andrew's primary residence since he stepped back from public duties in 2019.
The farmhouse, though modest by royal standards, offers comfortable accommodation with its five bedrooms and traditional Norfolk architecture. Its remote location within the estate ensures the privacy that has become essential for the Duke following the settlement of his civil sexual assault case in the United States.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Sources close to the estate describe Andrew's life as "quiet and contained." Unlike his previous high-profile role as a working royal, his days are now filled with estate management and private pursuits. The Duke has been spotted occasionally riding horses across the estate's extensive grounds, one of the few public glimpses into his current lifestyle.
Wood Farm's history as Prince Philip's preferred retreat adds another layer to Andrew's occupancy. The Duke of Edinburgh spent considerable time at the property after retiring from public duties in 2017, enjoying the relative anonymity it provided away from Buckingham Palace protocols.
Estate Life and Limited Public Appearances
While Andrew maintains a presence on the Sandringham Estate, his public engagements have dramatically reduced. His appearances are now largely confined to private family gatherings and estate management matters. The contrast with his former life as a globe-trotting royal trade envoy could hardly be more striking.
The estate itself provides both employment and distraction for the Duke, who has taken an interest in its day-to-day operations. However, his continued presence at royal properties remains a sensitive issue for the monarchy, particularly as King Charles seeks to streamline the royal family's public image.
The Future at Wood Farm
As Andrew settles into this new chapter, Wood Farm appears likely to remain his long-term home. The property offers both the seclusion he requires and the connection to royal estates that maintains his position within the family, albeit at a distance from their official duties.
This arrangement represents a compromise of sorts - allowing Andrew to remain within the royal fold while keeping him away from the public duties that became untenable following the controversies that ended his royal career.
