Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, is set to be removed from his long-term home at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate in less than four weeks, according to reports.
Final Countdown for Royal Lodge Tenancy
The disgraced royal will vacate the property before his 66th birthday on February 19, marking a significant step in his ongoing separation from the working monarchy. He handed back his tenancy agreement for the 30-room mansion when he was stripped of his royal and military titles last year amidst the fallout from his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew remained at Royal Lodge over the Christmas period, which ensured his physical separation from senior royals who gathered at Sandringham Palace. However, preparations for his move are now in full swing.
Downsizing to a Norfolk Outbuilding
His new residence will be Marsh Farm, a collection of dilapidated outbuildings on the King's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Renovation work is currently underway to make the property habitable.
A source revealed the scale of the downgrade, stating: "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."
Six-foot wooden fences have been erected around the site to secure privacy. Recent activity has included a digger on the front lawn, electricians working inside, and the installation of extra security measures including CCTV. Several new doors were also seen ready to be fitted.
A Life and Partnership Unravel
While renovations continue, Andrew is expected to move into temporary accommodation on the Sandringham Estate within the next four weeks. This move also signals a major shift in his personal life.
The same source indicated a permanent separation from his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, with whom he has shared Royal Lodge: "He and Sarah will go their own separate ways for the first time in almost 20 years. Apart from involvement with the children and grandchildren, they will live separate lives."
Ferguson, who is no longer styled as the Duchess of York, has also been impacted by the scandal. She was dropped by seven charities after it emerged she had sent an email to Epstein referring to him as a "supreme friend".
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing relating to the sex allegations stemming from his friendship with the late financier. Nevertheless, the consequences continue to reshape his life, with his imminent eviction from Royal Lodge representing the most tangible symbol of his fallen status.
