Prince Andrew is preparing to relocate permanently to a five-bedroom cottage on the Sandringham Estate after leaving Royal Lodge, marking a significant downgrade in status and living arrangements as the royal family continues to distance itself from the fallout of his past controversies.
The move to Marsh Farm, located near Wolferton in Norfolk, follows a directive from King Charles III, who stripped Andrew of his royal titles and honors in October 2025 and ordered him to vacate the Windsor residence he had occupied for years.
Removal vans were recently seen transporting Andrew's belongings, including artwork and furnishings, to the property, where renovations have been underway to make the long-unused residence habitable.
Andrew's departure from Royal Lodge underscores the scale of the transition. The Windsor property, a 31-room estate staffed by dozens of employees, represented a level of royal privilege that is no longer available to him following years of scrutiny tied to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The relocation comes shortly after Andrew's arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February, though he was released without charge and remains under investigation. The probe is linked to allegations involving the handling of confidential information during his tenure as a trade envoy.
Andrew has denied wrongdoing, but the episode has reinforced concerns within the royal household about reputational risk, accelerating efforts to limit his public and institutional presence.
The new residence reflects a markedly different lifestyle. Marsh Farm, described as a modest property requiring significant upgrades, has undergone renovations including:
- Installation of new flooring and furnishings
- Security enhancements around the perimeter
- Infrastructure improvements such as broadband access
The property also includes outbuildings and space for equestrian use, aligning with Andrew's personal interests, though it lacks the scale and staffing of his previous residence.
During the transition period, Andrew stayed at Wood Farm, another property on the Sandringham Estate with historical significance as the retirement residence of Prince Philip. The move to Marsh Farm is expected to be permanent.
The shift in living arrangements is accompanied by a reduction in staff, with Andrew now reportedly supported by a small team of aides rather than the extensive household personnel previously assigned to him.
The decision reflects a broader recalibration within the monarchy, as senior royals seek to manage public perception and reinforce institutional boundaries. Prince William has also taken a firm stance in distancing his immediate family from Andrew, according to prior reporting.
