As Andrew Mountbatten Windsor settles into his new lonely life on the remote Sandringham Estate, those in the area have expressed dismay over his arrival, with some arguing that the former prince ‘should exile himself’
Under the cover of darkness, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor fled his old life in Windsor – and his new neighbours aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet, with some arguing that he should be “locked up”.
The former Duke of York, who has been stripped of all titles amid ongoing allegations concerning his involvement with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, is now living a life of exile at Sandringham, a world away from the grandeur he knew at the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge.
Currently housed at Wood Farm Cottage on the sprawling estate, awaiting the completion of renovations at his more permanent residence, Marsh Farm, the ex-prince likely faces an isolation he has never before known, with his royal duties and military escapades a distant memory.
The Sandringham Estate is a far cry from The Windsor Estate, where the father of two lived for more than 20 years with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. It’s secluded in a way that perhaps would not suit those fond of air travel and star-studded parties, with the nearest town of King’s Lynn being a quiet and mud-soaked drive away.
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The people of King’s Lynn are well used to the presence of the royals. It’s here where the late Queen Elizabeth II would arrive by royal train at Christmas, and many of those in the area have interacted with, or even worked for, The Firm, whose presence attracts tourists far and wide during the festive period.
It’s a grimly chilly day in February when the Mirror arrives, however, and there is a distinct sense of discontentment in the drizzly air. One day before our arrival, posters protesting against the arrival of Andrew were taken down, but locals are still keen to have their voices heard. While grabbing coffee at the Victorian King’s Lynn train station, the Mirror heard from Angela, who shared: “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.”
While Andrew’s friendship with Epstein has long sparked concern, allegations against the late Queen Elizabeth’s supposed ‘favourite son’ have piled up of late. Police have now confirmed they are assessing claims that Andrew leaked confidential information to sex offender Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy. Documents from the latest Epstein files drop appeared to show the former duke emailing reports of visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore in 2010.
Anti-monarchy group Republic reported Andrew to the police following the allegations. Now Thames Valley Police have said: “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.” This marks yet another mortification for the palace, and for those living outside of the majesty of the Sandringham estate, there’s a real sense of bewilderment.
Echoing this sentiment of displeasure, resident Chris Thompson told us that he didn’t think Andrew’s arrival was “a very good idea”, saying: “I would have thought King Charles is supporting him with his bills, but it’s a bit bleak out there. I don’t think there’ll be a lot there for him to do, really.” And as much as his presence has proven problematic, it doesn’t appear that Andrew will be particularly thrilled at the prospect of this bumpy new start.
While Marsh Farm looks idyllic from a distance, it’s understood that serious renovations will be needed before Andrew can move in around April, not to mention the “huge security overhaul” required to ensure his safety. Andrew is also said to be “appalled” that his ‘cramped’ new residence will only have five bedrooms, with a source recently telling 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 add insult to injury, Andrew will reportedly have to navigate the sort of swampy land you, in all probability, wouldn’t get at a Buckingham Palace garden party. His new residence is situated on a flood plain, with locals advised to register for alerts in case nearby defences fail to prevent water surges from a neighbouring bog. According to The Sun, a flood risk assessment from 2025 for Wolferton Barns – just a few short steps away from Marsh Farm – asserted that it would be “prudent” for the owner to be added to the flood warning system in case there is a mechanical failure with the pumping station, used to drain the marshland.
Standing on the other side of Marsh Farm’s modest fence, it’s difficult to believe you’re looking at the home of the son of a monarch, mole hill puckered lawn and all. Chosen for its privacy, the abode is by no means hidden, just a few short metres away from the country lane, where vans and tractors make their steady way along the bends. Passersby walking their dogs can easily see through the windows or note the ghostly steam billowing from the pipes out into the chill air.
The newly installed security cameras will, of course, be crucial here, both for Andrew and for those who take on the short straw of serving him. The task ahead won’t be an easy one, and I can’t help but feel a prickle of anxiety as I survey the murky road to the left and right of me, with no rumble of traffic or crunch of boots against leaves. We’re around three hours from both London and Windsor here, and you can feel every minute of it. But over in King’s Lynn, it’s all a little too close for comfort.
While many may have serious concerns about their new neighbour, there is a feeling amongst some that there’s nothing to be done about the matter. The Mirror caught up with Shanna, out shopping in the historic centre, a place with reminders of the royals on every corner. From the medieval majesty of St. George’s Guildhall to the Dukes Head Hotel, where Queen Victoria reportedly slept, there’s no getting away from the town’s tightly woven ties to the Crown. Shanna told us: “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 residents may feel as though they are powerless to push back against this divisive move, business owners have now been left pondering what exactly they’d do should Andrew turn up at their establishment, expecting their services. And, should the 65-year-old be after a haircut at the newly opened House of Hair & Beauty, he may well be shown the door. Cole, the proud owner of the swish Tower Street establishment, told us: “I think someone like Andrew should be locked up, and justice should be served.”
Although Andrew’s presence may have caused a fair bit of discomfort in the quaint town, there is a notable degree of sympathy for other senior members of the Royal family, whose duties have undoubtedly been overshadowed by the unfolding scandal. Showing support for Andrew’s elder brother, King Charles III, taxi driver Tony reflected: “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.”
This follows reports published in The Sunday Times that Charles had “accelerated” Andrew’s move, intending to permanently “remove him [Andrew] from the public gaze”. A Palace source asserted: “The King feels he has no other option than to take sole responsibility for his brother, who will be privately funded. Every time he’s tried to support himself by independent means, it has led to greater trouble. Containing him is the hope.”
Meanwhile, a friend of Charles said, “The King is acutely aware of the public feeling. He doesn’t need to be heckled to understand the mood of the nation. Accelerating him out of Royal Lodge last was another nod to show he gets it. A plan made is not the same as a plan enacted, and the King wanted that plan enacted asap. The King feels that keeping his brother out of the public gaze and away from any kind of public expense is the right thing to do. Andrew is no longer a burden on the public purse, and the King has done all he can to remove him from the public gaze, but the reality is he can’t remove him from the public consciousness.”
Brought up to ‘never complain, never explain’, the Windsors have kept relatively silent over the mortifying saga; however, there have been public acknowledgements of late.
Last night, Buckingham Palace said the King has made clear his “profound concern” at allegations over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct and will “stand ready to support” the police if approached over the claims.
And Kensington Palace spokesperson yesterday issued a statement on behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales, saying: “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.” It follows Andrew’s younger brother, Prince Edward last week saying that it was important to “remember the victims,” after he was asked by a reporter about the latest drop of files.
The King’s statement was issued after he was heckled during a visit to Clitheroe in Lancashire, with one man shouting, “How long have you known about Andrew?” as the monarch was greeted by members of the public. The question was met with boos from others in attendance who, like many in King’s Lynn and beyond, feel some empathy with a family whose problems usually feel so distant. In King’s Lynn, there’s evidently some affection for the Royal family and the traditions they represent within the community, but this does not mean that all are willing to shoulder the weighty burden of ‘The Andrew Problem’.
The Mirror has approached Sarah Ferguson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the Palace for comment. Andrew has always strongly denied any wrongdoing.
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