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Move to Norfolk estate follows intensified pressure
Prince Andrew, formerly the Duke of York, has left his Windsor residence for a temporary home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, a shift accelerated by fresh disclosures in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The former royal departed Royal Lodge on Monday evening, according to palace sources.
Temporary residence at Wood Farm
Andrew is currently staying at Wood Farm, a property on the private Sandringham Estate, while his long-term home undergoes renovations. The King, who owns the estate, is covering the costs of the move. It is expected that Andrew will eventually reside at Marsh Farm, another estate property.
The relocation was initially planned for early 2026 but was expedited following the release of additional Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. These files have reignited scrutiny over Andrew's ties to the disgraced financier, including allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Royal Lodge lease and financial controversy
Andrew's departure from Royal Lodge marks the end of a contentious lease agreement. In October, Buckingham Palace served formal notice for him to surrender the property, which he had occupied since 2003 under a 75-year lease. The arrangement required him to pay over £8 million upfront, effectively pre-paying an annual rent of £260,000 for the duration of the lease.
A report by the Crown Estate, however, suggests that the property now requires extensive repairs, making it unlikely that Andrew will receive any compensation for the early termination of the lease. The financial terms of the agreement had previously drawn criticism, with questions raised about the use of public funds and royal privilege.
Allegations and legal pressure
Andrew continues to face allegations related to his association with Epstein. Thames Valley Police are currently reviewing claims made by a woman who alleges she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew at Royal Lodge in 2010. The woman, who was in her 20s at the time, has stated that after spending the night at the residence, she was given tea and a tour of Buckingham Palace.
This is the first instance of an Epstein survivor alleging a sexual encounter occurred at a royal residence. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including similar allegations made by Virginia Giuffre in 2014. Giuffre, who settled a civil lawsuit against Andrew in 2022 for an estimated £12 million, died by suicide last year.
Recent releases of Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Department of Justice have included photographs and email exchanges between Andrew and Epstein, further intensifying calls for him to testify before the U.S. Congress. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate, stating, "You can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that."
"Providing testimony is now a matter for Andrew and his conscience,"
Palace sources
Public and palace reaction
Andrew's move to Sandringham is seen as an attempt to distance him from public scrutiny, though palace insiders acknowledge the challenges posed by his ongoing association with the Epstein scandal. While the Royal Family has sought to manage the situation, decisions regarding Andrew's role and public presence have often been perceived as slow and ineffective.
Despite the controversy, sources close to the Royal Family emphasize that Andrew remains a member of the family, and there is a sense of personal duty to ensure his well-being. The provision of a home on the Sandringham Estate, funded by the King, reflects this obligation.
Andrew was last seen in Windsor on Monday, riding near his former home. Photographs of him driving away from Windsor Castle, waving to passersby, were met with disapproval by palace officials.
Historical context of Sandringham
The Sandringham Estate, purchased in 1862 by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), spans approximately 31 square miles (80 square kilometers) of gardens and grounds. The estate has long served as a private retreat for the Royal Family, particularly during the festive season when they traditionally gather there.
Andrew's relocation was initially delayed to avoid his presence at Sandringham during Christmas, a decision aimed at minimizing potential embarrassment for the Royal Family.
What lies ahead
Andrew is expected to return to Windsor in the coming weeks to collect the remainder of his belongings. While his permanent base is now in Norfolk, the broader implications of his association with Epstein continue to cast a shadow over his public and private life. Calls for him to testify in the U.S. persist, with Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips telling BBC Breakfast that his testimony "would be everything."
