Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is encountering an unusual logistical challenge as Waitrose delivery drivers are allegedly "pulling straws" to determine who must drop off his grocery orders. The former prince, who moved into his temporary residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate nearly four weeks ago, has received at least three deliveries from the upmarket supermarket chain.
Delivery Dilemma at Sandringham
Typically, Waitrose drivers are assigned routes based on their shift patterns and often cover the same areas repeatedly. However, sources indicate that some drivers are reluctant to make deliveries to the five-bedroom property where Andrew is staying. A source informed the Eastern Daily Press that staff members are resorting to drawing straws to decide who will handle the former Duke of York's orders.
Unusual Delivery Patterns
The first recorded Waitrose delivery to Andrew occurred on February 6, when one of the supermarket's vans was observed traveling down his 300-yard-long driveway. The driver remained at the address for approximately 15 minutes, significantly longer than the average delivery stop. A second delivery arrived exactly one week later at the same time, but the most recent delivery was delayed by a day, occurring on a Saturday instead of the usual Thursday.
This schedule change is believed to stem from Andrew's inability to place his online order as usual on Thursday of last week. On that day, he spent 11 hours in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. The disruption highlights how his legal issues are affecting even mundane aspects of his daily life.
Broader Staff Discomfort
This delivery drama follows previous reports from The Sun that staff at the Sandringham estate allegedly went on "strike" upon Andrew's arrival to avoid working for him. A source revealed that employees have been told they do not have to serve Andrew if they feel uncomfortable, and a significant number have declined. "There is understandably a lot of disquiet as he is now a total pariah," the source commented.
Legal Allegations and Royal Fallout
Andrew is facing serious allegations that he sent confidential government documents to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. Emails released by the US Department of Justice in January appear to show him sharing reports of official visits with the convicted sex offender.
Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, has previously denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has publicly expressed regret over their friendship. However, his association with Epstein led him to step down from royal duties in 2019, and he was stripped of his royal patronages and military titles in January 2022.
Royal Connections to Waitrose
Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant from King Charles, granted in May 2024, and is known to be a favored supermarket among the royal family. For instance, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, reportedly visited a Norfolk branch in 2018 while pregnant with Prince Louis. This longstanding royal association adds an ironic twist to the current delivery difficulties involving Andrew.
Waitrose has been approached for comment regarding the delivery drivers' alleged straw-pulling and the broader situation, but no official statement has been issued at this time. The episode underscores the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding Prince Andrew as he navigates life away from the royal spotlight.
