Disgraced Andrew retains luxuries in transfer however ‘hits all-time low’ with downside remaining

Prince Andrew is set to leave his 30-room Royal Lodge mansion for Sandringham’s Marsh Farm, where Sky TV and CCTV are already being installed

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The speed of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s expulsion from Windsor has noticeably accelerated. The disgraced former Duke of York was compelled to relinquish the lease on his 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in October, following the dramatic stripping of all his titles by the King due to further revelations about his ties with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

In recent days, a removal van has been sighted at the Royal Lodge, indicating that Andrew has been given until next weekend to vacate the premises. Meanwhile, at Marsh Farm, Andrew’s new residence in Sandringham, workers have been observed erecting fences, installing CCTV and sprucing up the property.

Andrew’s impending relocation coincides with the collapse of his an HRH status and regular attendance at Royal Family events. However, despite seemingly being at his lowest point, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggests that this situation will hold a different meaning for Andrew compared to ordinary individuals.

Speaking to the Mirror, she elucidated: “I guess when you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere else to go but up. And, stripped of his status and titles, evicted from his home and exiled from royal events, Andrew must surely be at rock bottom by now. Although, of course, a royal or even ex-royal rock bottom is undoubtedly rather different from the conventional one.”

Home provided

Naturally, when Andrew eventually relinquished the lease for Royal Lodge following the loss of all his titles, he wasn’t left to fend for himself in terms of housing.

From the get-go, it was established that upon Andrew’s relocation to the Sandringham estate, his elder brother, the King, would privately finance any future accommodation. Moreover, he would also privately provide for Andrew’s income.

Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm whether Marsh Farm is the Norfolk property that the former prince will be moving into. However, a 6ft wooden fence has been erected around a portion of the home where the hedge is sparse.

A light was observed in an upstairs room of the main house on Thursday, and individuals were spotted inside the building. A digger was active in the grounds, and a workman was seen moving to and from an outbuilding.

Help around the house

Marsh Farm is significantly smaller than Royal Lodge, which boasted expansive rooms, acres of land, and multiple outbuildings – necessitating staff assistance for property maintenance.

The extent of help Andrew will receive at his downsized residence remains uncertain. However, according to Jennie, it’s unlikely he’ll have to start contributing to household chores.

She said: “Andrew is not going to be sleeping rough or going hungry. He probably won’t even be doing his own washing or cooking. He is going to be looked after by his big brother, given a home in a beautiful part of the UK and will almost certainly have staff to take care of his every need.”

Luxuries

And it appears that when he relocates to his rumoured residence, one comfort has already been sorted for him, based on images from earlier this week.

On Wednesday, technicians from Sky VIP Team were spotted examining the property and surveying the roof whilst fitting Sky TV and broadband at the dwelling. It has been claimed that Andrew likes to browse flight tracking websites, monitoring aircraft departures and arrivals – and a house with WIFI would certainly enable him to pursue this hobby.

And with no further Royal engagements or duties on the horizon, Jennie reckons it could be the peaceful existence some would cherish. She elaborated: “All he has to do is to work out how to fill his days. A spot of horse riding? A pheasant shoot? Perhaps a quiet afternoon of video games? The choice will be his.”

Looming problem

But despite the apparently comfortable existence awaiting him in Sandringham – one significant issue will still hang over him, according to Jennie, who continued: “It may well still be squeaky bum time for Andrew, and the rest of the family, about what might yet be uncovered in the Epstein files. But, in the meantime, the ex-Duke will continue to live a life of considerable privilege.

“I suspect he will divide his time between Sandringham and, in years to come, prolonged visits to the Middle East, where he still has connections and wealthy friends.”

When the significant relocation occurs, Andrew will be without his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who has resided with him at Royal Lodge for many years.

Fergie, reportedly left “very upset” by the saga, won’t be joining Andrew in Sandringham, nor is she relocating to the Cotswolds to live near their eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice.

Despite the impending physical separation, Jennie believes their bond will remain intact. She added: “I think she’ll continue to be part of his life, even if she doesn’t share his new home. They’ve shared so much, good and bad, it’s hard to see how they would ever be truly divorced.”

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