The green Range Rover belonging to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was observed executing a conspicuous off-road detour while en route to his new permanent residence on the Sandringham estate today. The disgraced former Duke's vehicle, frequently spotted in Windsor, undertook the brief journey from Marsh Farm, designated as his future home following his eviction from Royal Lodge last year.
Efforts to Evade Detection
Despite apparent attempts to remain incognito, the car was photographed departing Wood Farm on Thursday, where Andrew has resided for the past ten days. The 4x4 could have utilised the main drive to Marsh Farm, a mere 400 metres away, but instead opted for a one-mile diversion across fields and rugged tracks, seemingly to avoid media scrutiny.
Security Presence and Speculation
Andrew's security personnel were also noted inside the five-bedroom property, where they photographed waiting media outside. It remains unclear whether Andrew was present in the vehicle, potentially inspecting his new home, which is undergoing renovations ahead of his anticipated move in April.
His car was last seen leaving Wood Farm approximately a week ago, driven by a security team member, but Andrew himself has not been publicly visible since relocating. An insider revealed earlier this week that Andrew is experiencing feelings of loneliness and boredom, compounded by his inability to ride horses as they have not yet been transferred to Norfolk.
Renovations and Deliveries
Over the past ten days, builder's vans, a digger, and portable toilets have been observed entering the farm to conduct emergency security repairs. Workers are reconstructing around 20 feet of an ancient perimeter wall that collapsed. Additionally, a Waitrose van delivered groceries last Friday, and an Amazon driver dropped off a package over the weekend.
Property Details and Royal History
The former royal is expected to stay at Wood Farm until approximately April, when he will transition to Marsh Farm, located half a mile away. Marsh Farm, less private due to its proximity to a private road, is still undergoing extensive renovations. Both properties are privately owned by King Charles III, who inherited the 20,000-acre Sandringham estate from his late mother.
Sources indicated that Andrew had lobbied his brother for permission to permanently reside at Wood Farm, valued for its greater privacy. Historically, Wood Farm has served as a quiet retreat for royal family members, away from Sandringham House's formalities. It was also the retirement home of Andrew's late father, Prince Philip, from 2017 until his move to Windsor during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Surroundings and Lifestyle Adjustments
Wood Farm is encircled by fields used for grazing sheep and cultivating organic crops, offering Andrew ample opportunity for solitary walks as he adjusts to his new life. Several acclaimed gastro pubs, such as the 14th-century Rose and Crown at Snettisham and the King's Head at Great Bircham, are a short drive away and have been frequented by Prince William and Kate in the past.
