The Cotswolds home of Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mozzi is facing a significant health threat after a confirmed outbreak of bird flu in the vicinity of their £3.5 million property.
Royal Residence Under Threat
Beatrice, Mozzi and their two young daughters, Sienna and Athena, reside in the six-bedroom farmhouse near the prestigious Blenheim Palace Estate, which the couple purchased in 2021 and have been progressively renovating. The property has become a family sanctuary amid the ongoing scandals surrounding Beatrice's father, Prince Andrew.
The situation has become more complex with recent renovations to a cattle shed adjacent to the main house. Reports suggest this structure has been considered as potential accommodation for Beatrice's mother, Sarah Ferguson, who faces eviction from Royal Lodge in Windsor in the coming weeks due to her and Andrew's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Avian Flu Health Crisis Unfolds
Blenheim Communities, a local Facebook page providing updates about the estate, issued an urgent warning to residents and visitors about the confirmed case of avian influenza within the park. The organisation stated they are working diligently to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread to the wider bird population.
Avian flu represents a serious health concern due to its high mortality rates in both domestic and wild birds. The virus possesses the ability to cross species barriers, potentially infecting mammals including cattle and seals, while posing a rare but severe threat to human health.
The Facebook post read: 'Sadly, today, an incidence of bird flu has been confirmed on our Estate. Currently, we only have a case within the park, but we continue to monitor both the park and wider estate.'
Wider Outbreak Confirmed
The threat extends beyond the royal estate, with Witney Town Council - the nearest urban centre to Blenheim Palace - confirming an outbreak at the town's award-winning lake. Testing confirmed avian influenza in a deceased swan, with a second swan also having perished.
Council officials expressed their sadness at the development, acknowledging how distressing the news would be for local residents who value the area's wildlife. They have implemented strict protocols, urging the public to avoid contact with any ill or dead birds and to report sightings directly to Defra.
Authorities have established an emergency helpline (03459 33 55 77) for reporting dead or sick birds, following Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidance to manage the outbreak effectively.
Royal Family Turmoil Continues
The health crisis emerges as Beatrice attempts to maintain normality despite her father's dramatic fall from royal favour. Prince Andrew recently had all his royal titles stripped following his association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, culminating in King Charles initiating formal proceedings to remove his brother's styles, titles and honours.
Despite this royal demotion, Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie have retained their titles and positions in the line of succession. Sources indicate that King Charles is particularly keen to protect his nieces from the fallout of their father's scandal.
The royal website has been updated to reflect Andrew's changed status, now listing him simply as 'Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor' rather than 'The Duke of York'. His profile page has been completely removed from the official royal website.
Meanwhile, Beatrice has continued her royal duties, recently becoming deputy patron of The Outward Bound Trust, an organisation dedicated to encouraging young people to engage with outdoor activities - a commitment that demonstrates her determination to continue public service despite family controversies.
As the bird flu situation develops, local authorities remain on high alert, monitoring the health of wild bird populations while implementing measures to protect both animal and human health in the picturesque Cotswolds region.
