The long-standing saga of the Windsor estate has reached a definitive conclusion this week as Prince Andrew officially vacates Royal Lodge following a protracted and highly publicised residency dispute.Under the cover of darkness on the night of February 3, 2026, the former Duke of York was seen leaving the 30-room mansion he had called home for over two decades.This departure marks the end of a long-standing dispute between the King and his brother, a conflict that intensified after Buckingham Palace served formal notice to surrender the lease last year.
A New Chapter at the Sandringham Estate
While many expected a direct move to a permanent new residence, Andrew has instead been moving to Sandringham on a temporary basis.He is currently understood to be staying at Wood Farm, a modest cottage on the King’s private Norfolk estate that was once a favourite retreat of the late Prince Philip.This relocation serves as a transitional phase while his intended permanent home, Marsh Farm, undergoes extensive security upgrades and essential repairs.The move to Norfolk represents a significant downsizing and a clear signal of his further reduced standing within the royal fold.
Police Assessment of Fresh Allegations
The timing of this departure is particularly sensitive as police assess new allegations that have emerged from recently unredacted legal documents in the United States.These fresh claims, which surfaced earlier this week, involve a second woman who alleges she was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter at Royal Lodge in 2010.While Andrew has consistently and vigorously denied all accusations of wrongdoing, Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are currently reviewing this information to determine if any further action is required.
Mounting Pressure from the Epstein Files
The atmosphere surrounding the move has been further complicated by the release of millions of pages of documents, colloquially known as the Epstein files.These records have reignited public and political scrutiny, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggesting that the former royal should be prepared to cooperate with ongoing investigations.As the King’s brother settles into his new life in Norfolk, the shadows of his past associations continue to loom large, ensuring that his exit from Windsor is seen not just as a change of address, but as a pivotal moment in his ongoing fall from grace.
