Prince Andrew Relocates to Sandringham Cottage Following Departure from Royal Lodge
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has vacated his long-standing residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor and sought temporary accommodation at Wood Farm, a modest cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. This move comes after the revocation of his titles and residency rights, following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
For over two decades, Andrew resided in the Royal Lodge, a 30-room mansion in Windsor. However, following intensified public scrutiny and renewed attention to his connections with Epstein, King Charles III removed Andrew's royal privileges and required his departure from the estate. Sources note that the recent release of further Epstein-related documents placed additional pressure on Andrew, prompting a more immediate exit than originally anticipated.
Wood Farm, Andrew's current residence, is a five-bedroom cottage offering seclusion and privacy, features valued by members of the royal family seeking respite from public attention. The estate is known for its understated environment, with staff foregoing uniforms and the walls adorned with personal artwork, providing a contrast to the formality of Windsor's Royal Lodge.
The cottage has a significant place in royal history. It served as the final home for Prince John, the youngest son of King George V and Queen Mary, who suffered from epilepsy and spent his last years at Wood Farm under the care of a governess, away from public view. He died at the age of 13 after a severe seizure. In more recent years, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, used the cottage as a retreat following his retirement from official duties, often joined by Queen Elizabeth II for private time together away from royal obligations.
Andrew's relocation to Wood Farm is understood to be temporary. Renovations are underway at Marsh Farm, another property on the Sandringham Estate, which is expected to become his permanent residence once completed. The move represents a marked change in living arrangements for the Duke, transitioning from a grand, stately home to more modest and isolated accommodation.
Reports from multiple sources, including British media outlets, indicate that Andrew had initially intended to remain at Royal Lodge for a longer period. However, the surfacing of new information related to the Epstein case, as well as allegations concerning Andrew's conduct at the Royal Lodge, accelerated the timeline for his departure.
As the royal family continues to address the fallout from these controversies, Andrew's change of residence underscores the significant personal and public consequences resulting from his associations and actions. The transition to Wood Farm, a site with a somber history within the royal family, marks a new and more private chapter for the Duke of York.