Prince Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has begun settling into his new life on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, following a swift and discreet relocation from Windsor last week. Royal sources indicate the move was expedited after an urgent meeting between King Charles and Prince William, with Andrew currently residing at Wood Farm while renovations are completed at his permanent home, Marsh Farm.
Rodent Issues at Marsh Farm
As Andrew prepares to move into Marsh Farm, he may encounter an unexpected problem: rats. A pest control van from Command Pest Control was recently spotted entering the property in Wolferton village, though the exact reason for the visit remains unclear. The company specializes in removing rats, mice, and other unwanted pests, suggesting potential rodent activity on the estate.
No Cats Allowed Rule
Compounding the rodent issue is a longstanding estate rule that prohibits residents from owning cats. According to reports from Hello! Magazine, this policy was established by the late Queen Elizabeth II to protect local wildlife, including pheasants and other game birds, which cats could threaten. While Andrew cannot keep a cat, he may be permitted to have dogs at his new home.
Fate of the Late Queen's Corgis
This restriction comes as Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, have been caring for the late Queen's corgis, Muick and Sandy. With both moving from Royal Lodge, questions arise about the dogs' future. Buckingham Palace stated in November that the corgis would "remain with the family," but it is uncertain whether they will live with Andrew, Ferguson, or their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
King Charles's Role in the Relocation
The Sunday Times reports that King Charles "accelerated" Andrew's eviction from Royal Lodge, aiming to "contain" his brother in Norfolk. A source revealed the King is determined to permanently "remove him from the public gaze," particularly after being appalled by Andrew's public appearances in Windsor, where he waved and smiled at camera crews.
Despite undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles has agreed to privately fund Andrew's accommodation and provide a "modest stipend" for living costs. A Palace source explained, "The King feels he has no other option than to take sole responsibility for his brother, who will be privately funded. Every time he's tried to support himself by independent means, it has led to greater trouble. Containing him is the hope."
Public Perception and Funding
A friend of the King noted that public heckling about Andrew during engagements influenced the expedited move, stating, "The King is acutely aware of the public feeling. He doesn't need to be heckled to understand the mood of the nation. Accelerating him out of Royal Lodge was another nod to show he gets it." The friend added, "The King feels that keeping his brother out of the public gaze and away from any kind of public expense is the right thing to do."
While Andrew is no longer a burden on public funds, the source acknowledged, "the reality is he can't remove him from the public consciousness." As Andrew adjusts to his new surroundings, the combination of estate rules and potential pest problems adds another layer to his controversial transition.
