In a significant shift for the disgraced Duke of York, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are preparing to live separately for the first time in over two decades. This move comes as they are forced to vacate their long-term home, the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, by January 25, 2026.
The End of an Era at Royal Lodge
The couple, who finalised their divorce nearly thirty years ago but continued to cohabit, are being evicted from the 30-room mansion following Andrew's removal of his royal titles and military affiliations. A source revealed to Hello! Magazine that while Ferguson has "stood by him all these years," she is now "ready to spread her wings" and will not be moving into Andrew's new, smaller residence.
The source indicated that potential destinations for the former Duchess of York include her daughter Eugenie's home in Portugal, while she searches for a permanent base. Of Andrew's state, the source added, "He's in his own bubble. Sarah is still very upset at everything that has happened."
An Unbreakable Bond Forged in Scandal
Despite the physical separation, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes the pair will remain inextricably linked. Speaking to the Mirror, Bond highlighted their shared history, daughters, and grandchildren as foundational ties.
"Unless Fergie knows something about her ex husband that we don’t, I think she’ll continue to be part of his life, even if she doesn’t share his new home," Bond stated. "They’ve shared so much, good and bad, it’s hard to see how they would ever be truly divorced."
Life in Exile at Sandringham
Andrew is expected to relocate to Marsh Farm, a property on the King's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. While a stark downgrade from Royal Lodge, Jennie Bond was quick to note his privileged circumstances will remain intact.
"Andrew is not going to be sleeping rough or going hungry," she said. "He probably won’t even be doing his own washing or cooking. He is going to be looked after by his big brother, given a home in a beautiful part of the UK and will almost certainly have staff."
Bond suggested Andrew's future may involve dividing his time between Norfolk and the Middle East, where he retains wealthy connections. However, she acknowledged the lingering shadow of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, stating it may still be "squeaky bum time for Andrew, and the rest of the family, about what might yet be uncovered."
Reflecting on Andrew's fall from grace, Bond concluded that the former prince has likely hit "rock bottom," stripped of status, evicted from his home, and exiled from royal life. Yet, as she wryly observed, a royal rock bottom is "undoubtedly rather different from the conventional one."
