Prince Andrew's New Marsh Farm Home: Royal Perks Amidst 'Ramshackle' Setting
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former Duke of York, is reportedly less than impressed with his new residence, Marsh Farm, as he prepares to vacate the luxurious Royal Lodge. Despite the property being described as "ramshackle" and situated on swampy land near a bog, it still comes with a layer of regal privilege that underscores his status as the brother of the monarch.
From Royal Lodge to Marsh Farm: A Downgrade in Scale
Andrew is being relocated from Royal Lodge, a Grade-II listed, 30-room property near Windsor Castle, to Marsh Farm on the vast 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate. King Charles has been pushing for this move for some time, even offering Frogmore Cottage—previously home to Harry and Meghan—as an alternative. However, Andrew initially resisted, only agreeing after continued public scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The controversy intensified with the release of a biography about Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, emails revealing Fergie's prolonged contact with Epstein, and Virginia Giuffre's memoir, which detailed allegations of sexual assault that Andrew has repeatedly denied. The subsequent Epstein files further fueled calls for his removal from royal circles, leading Charles to strip him of titles and secure his agreement to leave Royal Lodge.
Marsh Farm: A 'Poky' Residence with Flood Risks
Marsh Farm, currently undergoing renovations, is a smaller property with five bedrooms, which Andrew finds "appalled" and "poky" compared to his previous homes. Sources indicate he hasn't lived in such a modest space since his apartment at Buckingham Palace. The farm sits on swampy land below sea level, at risk of flooding from a nearby bog and the North Sea, just a mile away. Neighboring properties have already been added to flood warning systems, highlighting potential environmental hazards.
Despite its size, Marsh Farm is being prepared with new security fences and Sky technicians visits, suggesting some modern comforts. However, Andrew's dissatisfaction stems from the lack of room for live-in staff, a point of contention given his accustomed lifestyle.
Royal Perks: Staff Access and Ongoing Privileges
Although Marsh Farm is a downgrade, Andrew retains significant royal perks. King Charles has offered "ad-hoc" use of staff from Sandringham House, including cleaners, groundsmen, and a cook when needed. This arrangement, however, has "not gone down well" with Andrew, who reportedly desired a full-time team including a cook, housekeeper, gardener, butler, driver, and police security.
Before the move, Andrew had a list of demands for his new home, seeking a substantial six or seven-bedroom house on the estate. With Marsh Farm offering only five bedrooms, it appears these demands were not fully met. Royal expert Tom Sykes noted that Andrew's expectations included extensive staff and security, which have been scaled back in the current setup.
Andrew's Resignation and Future Prospects
Andrew has visited Marsh Farm and is reportedly resigned to his new circumstances, accepting that he must "get on with the rest of his life" and make the best of it. Sources describe him as "fuming" over the size but acknowledge the inevitability of the move. The King's support, through staff access and funding for the property, ensures Andrew isn't left entirely without royal trappings, even in a more modest setting.
This transition marks a significant shift for Andrew, from a life of luxury and controversy to a quieter, albeit still privileged, existence on the Sandringham Estate. As renovations continue and he settles in, the balance between his reduced status and retained perks will likely remain a topic of public and royal interest.
