Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has officially relocated from Royal Lodge in Windsor to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, taking up temporary residence at Wood Farm Cottage before moving permanently to Marsh Farm.

This shift follows renewed pressure surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and represents a strategic effort by the Royal Family to manage both optics and ongoing controversy.

Key points covered in this article:

Why Has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Left Royal Lodge in Windsor?

Why Has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Left Royal Lodge in Windsor

The decision for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor is the outcome of a long-brewing series of events that have tested the resilience of the Royal Family’s institutional discipline.

His exit didn’t occur in a vacuum. Over the years, the former prince’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has cast a long shadow.

The scandal, which had already severely impacted his public duties, was reignited in early 2026 by a tranche of documents released by the US Department of Justice.

These documents included emails and photographs placing Andrew in close contact with Epstein even after his conviction for sex offences.

The sudden release, along with growing pressure from both the media and legal observers in the US and UK, accelerated the timeline of his removal from Royal Lodge. What was originally anticipated to take place quietly later in the year became an urgent necessity for the Royal Family.

A legal advisor I spoke to who specialises in public trust and accountability stated: “When an individual is this closely tied to a scandal of this scale, proximity to symbols of state-funded privilege becomes impossible to justify. Royal Lodge was too visible, too symbolic.”

His departure also coincides with a more transparent push by King Charles III to modernise and protect the monarchy from reputational damage.

Buckingham Palace confirmed in late 2024 that notice had been served to terminate the 75-year lease Andrew held on Royal Lodge, which he had acquired in 2003.

The property, despite Andrew’s substantial initial investment, had reportedly fallen into disrepair. A Crown Estate report submitted to Parliament outlined that Royal Lodge’s physical state meant any compensation for early termination was unlikely.

Key factors driving the exit:

What Is Marsh Farm Sandringham and Why Was It Chosen as His New Home?

Marsh Farm, located within the vast Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, is set to become Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new permanent home.

The Sandringham Estate is privately owned by the King and has long functioned as a retreat for the Royal Family, away from the administrative confines of Buckingham Palace.

The decision to move Andrew to Marsh Farm is notable for its strategic intent. Unlike Royal Lodge, which sits within the public’s line of sight in Windsor Great Park, Marsh Farm is nestled deep within the royal agricultural lands. It’s private, rural, and away from both the media glare and royal event venues.

The farm itself has historically served as part of the estate’s agricultural division. Over time, several outbuildings have been converted into functional living spaces. Marsh Farm is currently undergoing renovation to accommodate Andrew’s long-term residence.

What makes Marsh Farm particularly suitable is its distance from the central estate and the fact that it can be refurbished without public scrutiny or funding.

Reasons Marsh Farm was selected:

Where Is Marsh Farm Located Within the Sandringham Estate?

Marsh Farm sits on the periphery of the estate, adjoining a network of woodland and agricultural paddocks. According to estate documents and historical land use records, this part of the estate has seen minimal public interaction, reserved mostly for agricultural staff and seasonal use.

The location provides:

Its relative seclusion makes it ideal for a figure whose association with scandal now requires physical and symbolic distance from central royal operations.

Location DetailDescription
Estate AreaWestern perimeter of Sandringham Estate
Proximity to Sandringham HouseApproximately 2.4 miles
Primary AccessVia service and maintenance roads
Public Access NearbyNone

How Does Marsh Farm Fit into the History of Sandringham?

Sandringham has always had a layered existence ,  it is both a private sanctuary and a working estate. Purchased in 1862 for Edward VII, it has remained in private royal hands ever since. Over the years, smaller holdings like Marsh Farm were used to support estate operations.

While Marsh Farm itself has no significant historical events attached to it, its status as a private and quiet corner of the estate fits the current royal need to house Andrew discreetly without attracting controversy.

How Is Wood Farm Cottage Involved in the Transition?

How Is Wood Farm Cottage Involved in the Transition

As Marsh Farm undergoes refurbishment, Andrew is temporarily residing at Wood Farm Cottage, a modest but private residence on the estate. Wood Farm has long been used for lower-profile royal stays. Notably, Prince Philip chose it as his primary residence during his retirement.

This temporary stay allows estate workers and private contractors to modernise Marsh Farm without interference. Sources within royal circles suggest that the upgrades include improved security, structural repairs, and modern amenities, ensuring that the property is suitable for long-term living.

Wood Farm’s role is essentially a holding space, allowing the Royal Family to keep Andrew away from central residences without appearing to ostracise him entirely.

PropertyCurrent UseNotes
Wood Farm CottageTemporary residence for AndrewFormer home of Prince Philip in retirement
Marsh FarmUnder renovationFuture permanent residence

What Is the Role of King Charles in Supporting the Move?

King Charles III’s involvement in Andrew’s relocation has been subtle but direct. According to royal insiders and multiple reports, the King is personally funding the renovation and upkeep of Marsh Farm to avoid accusations of public money being used.

This action represents a delicate balancing act. On one hand, Andrew is family, and Charles has made clear through private channels that some level of care remains appropriate. On the other hand, the monarchy’s credibility rests on transparency and accountability.

“The King is trying to draw a line between private family loyalty and public duty,” a constitutional historian told me. “This is a monarchy that has learned hard lessons from public backlash over the years. They can’t afford ambiguity.”

While Marsh Farm’s funding is covered privately, Andrew’s security , as a former senior royal, may still rely on public resources, although these details are not disclosed for operational reasons.

Support ElementResponsibility
Property RenovationKing Charles (private funds)
Lease Termination SupportManaged through the Crown Estate
Security (unconfirmed)Possibly through Metropolitan Police
Public CommunicationsHandled via Buckingham Palace advisors

How Has the Epstein Scandal Affected Andrew’s Royal Standing?

How Has the Epstein Scandal Affected Andrew’s Royal Standing

The impact has been immense. Andrew has seen a near-total erosion of his public roles. Stripped of royal patronages, honorary military appointments, and his HRH status, his presence in royal life is now largely symbolic and behind-the-scenes.

The 2022 settlement with Virginia Giuffre, which reportedly amounted to £12 million, was a pivotal moment. Though no admission of guilt was included, the sheer scale of the payment led many to believe the Palace wanted the matter closed quickly and quietly.

More recently, files from the US Department of Justice and court proceedings have introduced new allegations. These include claims that a woman was trafficked to Royal Lodge in 2010 and had a sexual encounter with Andrew. The woman, who is not British, has provided a timeline and details which are reportedly being reviewed by Thames Valley Police.

One image, included in the recently released files, allegedly shows Andrew on all fours with a woman lying underneath him. If confirmed authentic, it could further complicate his legal and public status.

From a media standpoint, this is a crisis that continues to evolve. In my view, the royal approach now focuses less on rebuttal and more on repositioning. The move to Sandringham is part of that strategy.

“A client of mine who has worked inside royal communications described the tone shift as dramatic,” I was told during a call with a senior PR strategist. “They’re no longer trying to defend Andrew,  they’re quietly removing him from the public equation.”

Why Did Buckingham Palace End the Lease at Royal Lodge?

Why Did Buckingham Palace End the Lease at Royal Lodge

Andrew’s Royal Lodge lease was acquired in 2003, following a payment exceeding £8 million to the Crown Estate. This one-time fee covered extensive repairs and waived annual rent, which was nominally set at £260,000 per year.

However, over the years, the estate fell into structural decline. Reports from the Crown Estate presented to MPs show that the house required significant refurbishment, making it unfit for continued occupation under the original terms.

Additionally, Andrew’s continued occupancy of a high-profile property during a time of scandal placed undue pressure on both the monarchy and the estate’s management. The Palace took action in October 2024 to formally request the lease’s surrender.

Lease ComponentDescription
Original Term75 years (started 2003)
Payment Made£8 million+ upfront
Rent ObligationWaived due to upfront payment
Lease StatusTerminated by Palace request
Compensation DueNone (due to property disrepair)

The issue also raised broader questions about the transparency of Crown Estate arrangements and the symbolic weight of royal property entitlements.

What Are the Public and Media Reactions to Andrew’s New Move?

Reactions to the move have been mixed, though mostly critical. News outlets including BBC, The Guardian, and The Times have highlighted the discomfort of having a royal figure, mired in such scandal, receive housing on the King’s private estate.

Commentators have focused on themes of privilege, accountability, and justice. Some argue that despite the private funding of Andrew’s new home, the optics are still problematic.

Public opinion has hardened. Andrew’s brief appearance in Windsor, where he was seen riding horseback near his former residence, was widely panned. Images of him waving at photographers were described in op-eds as “tone-deaf.”

Yet, within the Palace, the sentiment is more complex. “He remains family,” one source told a royal correspondent. “But he is not part of the Firm anymore.”

FAQs About Marsh Farm, Sandringham, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

What is Marsh Farm and who owns it?

Marsh Farm is part of the privately owned Sandringham Estate, which belongs to King Charles III. It is being prepared as Andrew’s permanent home.

Why did Andrew leave Royal Lodge?

He left due to a formal notice from Buckingham Palace and increasing scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Was Andrew evicted or did he leave voluntarily?

Technically, he was served notice, making the departure more of a forced hand than a voluntary decision.

Is Andrew still part of the Royal Family?

Yes, but he holds no formal roles, titles, or military positions anymore.

What is Wood Farm Cottage?

It’s a smaller residence on the Sandringham Estate where Andrew is temporarily staying during renovations at Marsh Farm.

Will Andrew return to royal duties?

Highly unlikely. All indications suggest a permanent withdrawal from public royal roles.

Is the public paying for Andrew’s new home?

No. King Charles is reportedly covering all costs personally to avoid public funding controversies.