Britain's Prince Andrew has quietly relocated from his former Windsor residence to a farmhouse on the Sandringham Estate, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from nearby residents and raised concerns over flood risks at the property, according to people familiar with the situation.
The five-bedroom red-brick house, known as Marsh Farm, sits on low-lying land near King's Lynn and has been flagged in local risk assessments as vulnerable to flooding. Documents reviewed by local authorities describe it as "prudent" for residents to sign up for flood alerts, citing the possibility of mechanical failure at a nearby pumping station. Any malfunction could leave surrounding areas underwater.
The relocation marks another step down in status for Andrew, who was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages following revelations about his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He previously lived at Royal Lodge in Windsor, a sprawling property with more than 30 rooms, before being moved to Norfolk.
While renovations are ongoing at Marsh Farm, Andrew has been staying at Wood Farm Cottage, a modest residence once favored by his late father, Prince Philip. Unlike Philip, who chose the area for quiet retirement, Andrew's presence has been met with visible unease.
In King's Lynn, roughly 10 miles from Sandringham, residents have expressed open hostility. Placards opposing his arrival were removed by authorities earlier this week, but local sentiment remains raw. "He should exile himself and put us all out of our misery," said Angela, a resident speaking near the town's railway station.
Business owners echoed similar frustration. Cole, who runs the House of Hair and Beauty on Tower Street, said "someone like Andrew should be locked up," reflecting anger that has lingered since Andrew's 2019 Newsnight interview and subsequent settlement with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre.
The reaction underscores the difficulty facing the royal family as it attempts to manage Andrew's future without reigniting public outrage. King Charles III has sought to limit his brother's public role while keeping him on royal estates, a compromise that has done little to quiet criticism.
The choice of Sandringham, traditionally associated with royal retreats and Christmas gatherings under Queen Elizabeth II, has only heightened local sensitivities. Residents say the area is accustomed to discreet royal visits, not to housing a figure many view as emblematic of institutional failure.
Physically, Marsh Farm offers little of the grandeur Andrew once enjoyed. Surrounded by open fields and farm traffic, the property is protected by security cameras rather than ceremonial guards. Nearby, vapor rises from drainage infrastructure, a constant reminder of the flood risk that now shadows his new home.
