Prince Andrew's Relocation to Wood Farm Met with Local Discontent in Norfolk
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has officially vacated his £30 million Royal Lodge mansion in Berkshire, concluding a protracted two-year dispute with King Charles III over the tenancy. His new residence is the considerably more modest Wood Farm, a property situated on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. This move, however, has been met with significant fury and frustration from local inhabitants, who have voiced strong objections to the disruption and the choice of location.
A Secluded Property with a Royal History
Wood Farm, a secluded dwelling near the village of Wolferton, was previously the primary residence of the late Prince Philip following his retirement from public duties. Prince Andrew is expected to reside there temporarily while his permanent home, the nearby Marsh Farm, undergoes renovations, with a potential move-in date set for April. Despite its historical royal connections, the property's proximity to local roads and communities has become a central point of contention.
Local Residents Express Outrage and Disruption
The arrival of the disgraced royal has transformed the typically peaceful area. Journalists and media crews descended upon the village, swamping quiet lanes with vehicles and even employing a helicopter, much to the dismay of residents. An unnamed local woman articulated the community's sentiment, stating, "The press are all down there. The villagers don't like that. It's a quiet village." She suggested that Andrew should have been housed in a more isolated location, "out in the woods" and "surrounded by trees and no other houses," arguing that his current accommodation is "too close to the road" and will inevitably attract persistent media attention.
Public Criticism Extends Beyond Mere Disruption
Criticism was also voiced by visitors at the nearby Sandringham Visitor Centre, reflecting broader public scepticism. Abraham Bruin, 83, questioned the narrative of Andrew being an outcast, remarking, "If he's an outcast and living on the estate, he's not an outcast is he?" Another unnamed woman pointedly noted, "Really, he's going back to luxury, isn't he? He's being waited on hand and foot." Further disapproval was summarised by a resident who declared, "They're dumping their royal rubbish on us," highlighting a sense of imposition felt by the local community.
Background: Epstein Scandal and Loss of Titles
This relocation occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing fallout from Prince Andrew's association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The US Department of Justice recently released a new batch of documents from the Epstein files, in which Andrew's name features prominently. Although he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, the Duke was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022 and no longer uses the style 'His Royal Highness'. The controversy continues to shadow his public standing and now, it seems, his residential arrangements.
