Prince Andrew has moved from Royal Lodge to Sandringham Estate amid King Charles’ efforts to remove him from public gaze, but King’s Lynn locals aren’t happy about their new neighbour
Under cover of night, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor abandoned his former existence in Windsor – and his fresh neighbours certainly aren’t extending a warm welcome, with some insisting he ought to be “locked up”.
The disgraced former Duke of York, who has been stripped of his honours following persistent claims regarding his connections to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, now endures a banished existence at Sandringham, miles removed from the opulence he once enjoyed at the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge.
Presently residing at Wood Farm Cottage on the vast estate whilst awaiting completion of refurbishments at his more settled home, Marsh Farm, the fallen Royal probably confronts a loneliness previously unknown to him, his ceremonial responsibilities and military adventures now merely distant recollections.
The Sandringham Estate bears little resemblance to The Windsor Estate, where the father of two dwelt for over two decades alongside his former spouse, Sarah Ferguson. It remains isolated in a manner that might not appeal to those partial to jet-setting and celebrity gatherings, with the closest settlement of King’s Lynn requiring a tranquil yet muddy journey.
The residents of King’s Lynn have grown accustomed to Royal presence. It was here that the late Queen Elizabeth II would traditionally arrive via Royal train during Christmas, and numerous locals have either encountered or been employed by The Firm, whose attendance draws visitors from across the globe throughout the holiday season, reports the Mirror.
It’s a bleakly cold day in February when the Mirror turns up, and there’s a palpable feeling of unease hanging in the damp atmosphere. Just one day prior to our visit, placards objecting to Andrew’s presence were removed, yet residents remain determined to voice their concerns.
Whilst collecting coffee at the Victorian King’s Lynn railway station, the Mirror spoke with Angela, who remarked: “We love Sandringham, we don’t care who’s there, but I think my best thought is that he should exile himself, and put us all out of our misery.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his presence, it seems that Andrew himself isn’t too thrilled about this rocky new beginning.
While Marsh Farm may look picturesque from afar, it’s understood that significant renovations will be needed before Andrew can move in around April. On top of this, a “huge security overhaul” will be necessary to ensure his safety.
Andrew is reportedly “appalled” by the ‘cramped’ conditions of his new five-bedroom residence. A source recently told the Daily Mail: “He really didn’t want Marsh Farm. He won’t have lived anywhere that small since he left his apartment at Buckingham Palace.”
To make matters worse, Andrew will reportedly have to contend with the kind of boggy terrain you’d be unlikely to encounter at a Buckingham Palace garden party. His new dwelling sits on a flood plain, with residents urged to sign up for warnings should nearby barriers fail to hold back water surges from an adjacent marsh.
According to The Sun, a flood risk evaluation from 2025 for Wolferton Barns – merely a stone’s throw from Marsh Farm – declared it would be “prudent” for the occupier to join the flood alert scheme should there be a mechanical breakdown at the pumping station, which drains the wetlands.
Peering over Marsh Farm’s humble fencing, it’s hard to fathom you’re gazing at the dwelling of a monarch’s son, complete with mole hill-dotted grass and all. Selected for its seclusion, the property is hardly concealed, positioned just metres from the country road, where lorries and farm vehicles trundle steadily around the curves.
Dog walkers passing by can effortlessly peer through the glass or observe the eerie vapour rising from the pipes into the crisp atmosphere. The recently installed security cameras will undoubtedly play a pivotal role here, for both Andrew and those tasked with the unenviable job of serving him.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and I can’t shake off a sense of unease as I look down the deserted paths to my left and right, devoid of the familiar sounds of traffic or footsteps crunching on leaves. We’re a good three hours away from both London and Windsor, and the distance is palpable.
Yet, over in King’s Lynn, it feels uncomfortably close.
While many residents harbour serious reservations about their new neighbour, some feel resigned to the situation. The Mirror spoke to Shanna during her shopping trip in the historic town centre, a place where Royal connections are evident at every turn.
From the medieval grandeur of St. George’s Guildhall to the Dukes Head Hotel, reputedly a resting place for Queen Victoria, the town’s deep-rooted links to the monarchy are inescapable. Shanna shared her thoughts: “I’m not sure. I don’t really particularly like the things he’s done, so I’m not very happy about it, to be honest. But you can’t stop it, can you? You just have to get on with it, and hopefully he moves somewhere else.”
While locals might feel helpless to resist this controversial decision, business proprietors are now left wondering exactly what they’d do if Andrew showed up at their premises seeking their services. Should the 65 year old fancy a trim at the recently launched House of Hair and Beauty, he could well find himself turned away.
Cole, the establishment’s proud proprietor on the stylish Tower Street, declared: “I think someone like Andrew should be locked up, and justice should be served.”
Though Andrew’s arrival may have sparked considerable unease in this charming town, there’s evident compassion for other senior royals, whose responsibilities have certainly been eclipsed by this developing controversy. Expressing solidarity with Andrew’s older sibling, King Charles III, cabbie Tony mused: “It’s not the family’s fault. The only thing they can do now is to send him to an island on his own and keep away from him. I think it’s time we left Charlie and William and the family alone. They can’t be responsible for what Andrew’s done. But I think he’ll get his comeuppance, and that there will be more to come.”
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