The planned eviction of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from his 30-room Royal Lodge mansion is facing significant delays, with reports suggesting the disgraced royal may not relocate until February 2026.
The Downsizing Dilemma
Andrew's move from the lavish Windsor property to a more modest home on the King's private Sandringham estate has hit practical obstacles. After being stripped of his royal titles last month following his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the former Duke of York was ordered to leave Royal Lodge, where he had reportedly paid little rent for years.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the logistical challenge of moving from such a substantial residence is causing the hold-up. "He has a large house where he has lived for a long time and he will be moving into a more modest house so, logically, it won't happen this side of Christmas," an insider revealed.
An Awkward Christmas Avoided
The delay means Andrew will spend one final Christmas at Royal Lodge, a development that actually brings relief to the Royal Family. This arrangement ensures he won't be at Sandringham during the festive season, when senior royals traditionally gather for their Christmas celebrations.
Insiders described the alternative scenario of Andrew being at Sandringham during the family festivities as "suboptimal" and "quite awkward." The royals typically spend Christmas at Sandringham, participating in the famous walk to church on Christmas Day before returning to the main house for lunch.
A source confirmed to the Daily Mail: "He won't be anywhere near the Big House" - referring to the monarch's private residence on the estate.
Financial Pressures and Potential Memoirs
While King Charles is reportedly covering Andrew's new living arrangements privately, the same financial support doesn't extend to his former wife, Sarah Ferguson. This has sparked speculation that Fergie might consider writing a tell-all book to generate income.
However, literary experts suggest that Andrew's own story could command an even larger advance, potentially reaching £25 million. One literary agent explained: "With the right ghost-writer asking him the right questions, we could see the history of the House of Windsor completely rewritten with what he knows. He's a timebomb waiting to explode."
Such a move would almost certainly jeopardise the housing and allowances being arranged for him at Sandringham, mirroring the consequences faced by his nephew Prince Harry after publishing his controversial autobiography, Spare.
The ongoing property saga continues to highlight the complexities of Andrew's diminished role within the Royal Family and the practical challenges of his transition to a more private life.
