Mystery as three lorries arrive at ex-prince Andrew’s new residence weeks after arrest
Removals vans specialising in fine art were spotted at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to move after being stripped of royal titles
Three mystery lorries rocked up at Andrew’s home(Image: Bav Media)
Removal lorries specialising in transporting fine art have been spotted arriving at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new residence on the Sandringham estate – indicating another relocation is drawing nearer. Several vehicles were photographed entering Marsh Farm – a five-bedroom property on the King’s Norfolk estate – where the former Duke of York is understood to be planning to reside permanently.
Since being ejected from Royal Lodge earlier this year, the ex-prince has been staying temporarily at Wood Farm – a modest cottage, where his father the late Prince Philip spent his final days. Mountbatten-Windsor has remained inside the cottage ever since he was photographed slumped in the rear of a vehicle departing a Norfolk Police Station following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.
Today, three substantial trucks from Gander and White – an art logistics firm holding a royal warrant – were observed arriving at Marsh Farm, near Wolferton, thought to be carrying artworks. The company, which uses the motto “custodians of the irreplaceable,” specialises in moving fine art and has served distinguished clients, including the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Established in 1933, they provide a specialist service handling, moving and setting up fine art works for customers ranging from art merchants to auction houses to private collectors and museums globally. Their website declares: “We have been entrusted with caring for some of the world’s most precious objects and artworks, safeguarding them with the utmost care and discretion for over 90 years.”
Andrew was compelled to surrender the lease of his previous Windsor residence Royal Lodge after being stripped of all his royal titles following the latest disclosures about his connections with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
There was also massive public anger after it emerged he had only been paying a nominal rent for the property, which has triggered an inquiry by the Crown Estate into why he had been granted such a favourable lease, reports the Mirror. The former prince has always denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
It is understood that at Mountbatten-Windsor’s former Royal Lodge residence, numerous historic paintings and artefacts adorned the walls of the property.
Some of it formed part of the Royal Family’s private collection and were works purchased by the former prince’s grandmother, the Queen Mother, who resided at Royal Lodge before him.
However other works in the property were held by the Royal Collection Trust, which oversees the Royal Collection – a collection of artefacts and paintings assembled by monarchs over the centuries. Works from the Royal Collection Trust are distributed across royal exhibitions, as well as being utilised to furnish royal homes.
The Times reports that items in Royal Lodge belonging to the Trust were set to be returned after Andrew was divested of his titles and would not accompany him to Sandringham. Among the pieces believed to have decorated the walls of his former residence but due for return was a 19th-century oil painting titled Eugenie, Empress of the French and wife of Napoleon III, by Charles Édouard Boutibonne.
Meanwhile, Marsh Farm has been undergoing significant renovations in preparation for his move. In January, Sky engineers were spotted climbing ladders to install what is believed to be TV and broadband services ahead of Andrew’s arrival.
Electricians were also seen working at the property, with additional security measures, including CCTV, being put in place. The home is approximately seven miles from the main Sandringham House, and a no-fly zone over the royal estate has been extended to encompass this residence.
Marsh Farm features a main house, but the two reception rooms and kitchen are reportedly undergoing extensive renovations. A substantial six-foot security fence has also been erected around the property.
