Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew of the British royal family, moved out of the Royal Lodge in Windsor to temporarily reside at Wood Farm Cottage within the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Monday night. This move comes as his permanent residence at Sandringham is undergoing repairs, amid the storm of scandal surrounding the Epstein case.
Buckingham Palace stated that the move from Royal Lodge was announced back in October, alongside the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal titles. His permanent residence has now officially been relocated to Norfolk, although he is expected to return to Windsor within the next few weeks to move remaining belongings.
Sources indicate that, in the long term, he is likely to reside at Marsh Farm within the Sandringham Estate. King Charles III is covering all expenses for his brother's new accommodation, as Sandringham is privately owned property.
Previously, Andrew, who held the title Duke of York, faced continuous pressure to leave Royal Lodge following controversy over the rent payments made to the Crown Estate, the agency managing royal properties.
According to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO), in 2003 he signed a 75-year lease and prepaid over £8 million for repairs and future rent, averaging about £260,000 per year in rent.
Under the original agreement, he might have been entitled to approximately £488,000 in compensation if he surrendered the lease early. However, a recent property report indicated the building is in severe disrepair, making it highly likely he will receive no compensation.
A royal source told the BBC in October that the move was postponed until early this year to avoid embarrassment during Christmas, when the royal family traditionally gathers at Sandringham.
The Sandringham estate was purchased in 1862 by the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, as a private residence. It covers more than 80 square kilometers, roughly the size of the city of Nottingham.
Andrew’s relocation occurs amid increasing pressure related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the financier accused of human trafficking who died in a U.S. prison in 2019.
Thames Valley police are investigating allegations from a woman who claims Epstein sent her to the UK in 2010 to have sex with Andrew at the Royal Lodge. The woman was in her twenties and not a British citizen.
Her lawyer stated that after the incident, she was shown Buckingham Palace and had tea, marking the first time an Epstein victim has alleged such events occurred at a royal residence.
Previously, in 2014, the late Virginia Giuffre was the first to accuse Andrew of being forced to have sex with her from age 17, alleging she was trafficked by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, claims Andrew has always denied. The U.S. civil case ended in 2022 with a settlement of about £12 million.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has released numerous documents and photos related to Epstein, including emails and images linked to Andrew, increasing pressure for him to testify before the U.S. Congress. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated last week that those with information should fully cooperate, prioritizing the victims.
Lisa Phillips, one of Epstein’s victims, said Andrew’s testimony would be highly significant for all victims. Andrew continues to deny all allegations and has yet to comment on the latest reports.
.BBC