The beleaguered Duke of York's planned move from his Windsor mansion to a smaller home on the Sandringham estate has hit another significant delay, with reports suggesting King Charles III is unable to expedite the process.
Renovation Roadblock at Marsh Farm
Prince Andrew is being required to vacate the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park following the stripping of his military affiliations and royal patronages in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. His intended new residence is Marsh Farm, a more modest property situated approximately seven miles from the main Sandringham House in Norfolk.
However, extensive renovations estimated to take six months are now holding up the transition. A royal source told The Express that the farmhouse's two reception rooms and kitchen require major work. Complicating matters further, Andrew is said to be strongly resisting a temporary move to another, even smaller property while the upgrades at Marsh Farm are completed.
A Legal Limbo the King Cannot Short-Circuit
Despite the King's apparent desire to resolve the situation, his hands appear to be tied by the formal agreement governing Royal Lodge. Documents revealed by the Public Accounts Committee show that Andrew gave the legally required 12 months' notice to surrender the lease on October 30, 2024—the same day he was officially stripped of his 'His Royal Highness' style and his Prince title.
This notice period legally entitles him to remain at Royal Lodge until the end of October 2025. The revelation means that, regardless of the hold-ups at Sandringham, Andrew cannot be forced to leave his current home before that date.
A Solitary Christmas Amidst Family Festivities
The ongoing property saga unfolded as Andrew spent Christmas alone at Royal Lodge. His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were notably absent, choosing instead to celebrate with the wider Royal Family at Sandringham. The sisters were photographed attending the traditional Christmas Day church service with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals.
Andrew was seen driving near his Windsor home on Christmas Day, a stark visual contrast to the family gatherings from which he remains excluded. His removal from frontline royal duties was made official after the publication of documents from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a posthumous memoir by his accuser, Virginia Giuffre. Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
The extended no-fly zone over Sandringham, reportedly now encompassing Marsh Farm, underscores the continued security considerations surrounding the Duke, even in his reduced circumstances. With renovations delayed and a legal right to stay put, the resolution of this royal relocation remains uncertain.
