The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, is facing a final countdown to leave his long-term Windsor residence, with sources indicating a strict deadline for his departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge is now imminent.
The Final Days at Royal Lodge
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly seeing out his final days at the lavish Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate. His tenancy for the property was formally handed back after he was stripped of his royal titles and military affiliations, a move precipitated by the ongoing fallout from his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a bid to avoid awkward encounters with other senior royals, the former prince is said to have remained at Royal Lodge over the Christmas period while the Royal Family celebrated at Sandringham in Norfolk—the very estate to which he is now destined to move.
A New Home at Marsh Farm
Andrew's anticipated new residence is Marsh Farm, a private home on the King's Sandringham estate. Renovation work on the property is currently in full swing, with six-foot wooden fences erected around the site to secure it and ensure privacy for the King's brother.
However, insiders note the property is a significant downgrade from his current home. A source stated: "The snow or rain hasn’t delayed the work on Marsh Farm but it still needs a lot of attention to make it habitable. But one thing for sure is that it is a lot, lot smaller and less luxurious than Royal Lodge."
A Birthday Deadline
The driving force behind the accelerated timeline appears to be the Duke's 66th birthday on 19 February. It is now widely believed that Andrew will be required to vacate Royal Lodge and complete his relocation to Norfolk before this milestone date, potentially within the coming weeks.
This relocation marks the latest chapter in the Duke's retreat from public life, which began in earnest when he was stripped of his prince and duke titles last year amidst the escalating scandal related to his friendship with the late financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
