LONDON — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, officially moved out of his longtime residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor on Monday night, February 2, 2026, marking a significant step in his exile from royal life following his loss of titles and privileges.
The 65-year-old brother of King Charles III left the 30-room Georgian mansion—located in Windsor Great Park and leased since 2003—under cover of darkness and relocated to a property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which is privately owned by the king. He is currently residing temporarily at Wood Farm Cottage on the estate while renovations continue at his intended permanent home, Marsh Farm, a more modest five-bedroom property described by royal insiders as "ramshackle" and "shoe box-sized." Marsh Farm includes a kitchen, two reception rooms, outbuildings, and stables, with recent upgrades reportedly including enhanced security measures such as CCTV, six-foot wooden fencing, and an extended no-fly zone.
Buckingham Palace had previously indicated in October 2025 that Andrew would vacate Royal Lodge in early 2026, but sources suggest the latest disclosures from Jeffrey Epstein-related files accelerated his departure. Andrew is expected to return briefly to Windsor in the coming weeks to collect remaining belongings, after which his permanent base will be in Norfolk. Reports from the BBC and other outlets confirm he will cover the costs associated with Marsh Farm himself.
The move follows King Charles III's October 30, 2025, decision to formally strip Andrew of his royal titles, including "Prince" and "His Royal Highness," reducing him to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This unprecedented action, enacted via Letters Patent and published in The Gazette, came amid persistent scrutiny over Andrew's association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing and settled a civil lawsuit with accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability.
The relocation coincides with renewed attention following the U.S. Department of Justice's release of over three million pages of Epstein-related documents on Friday, January 30, 2026. Among the files were a 2010 email exchange appearing to involve Andrew (referred to as "A" or signed as "HRH The Duke of York KG") and Epstein. In one message, Epstein asked about meeting arrangements, including "private time," to which a response suggested alternatives like dinner at Buckingham Palace for "lots of privacy." Additional documents included photographs appearing to show Andrew in compromising positions, such as kneeling over an unidentified woman lying on the ground. The files also highlighted Epstein's efforts to facilitate introductions, including to a 26-year-old Russian woman.
These revelations have intensified calls for Andrew to cooperate with U.S. authorities. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that anyone with relevant information, including Andrew, should be prepared to share it in any requested form, including testifying before a U.S. congressional committee. Victims' advocates, such as attorney Gloria Allred, have echoed this sentiment, arguing that Andrew has a duty to assist investigations into Epstein's network.
Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife and also mentioned in Epstein-related contexts, will not be joining him at the new residence. The couple divorced in 1996 but have remained on amicable terms in recent years.
The Sandringham Estate, a private royal property in eastern England, has historical significance; it was a favored retreat for previous monarchs, including where Prince Philip spent time in retirement. Andrew's shift to this location underscores his reduced status—no longer residing on Crown Estate property like Royal Lodge—and reflects the royal family's efforts to distance itself from the ongoing controversy.
Thames Valley Police are reportedly assessing fresh allegations linked to the Epstein files, though no new charges have been announced. Andrew maintains his innocence regarding all accusations.
The developments have dominated U.K. media coverage, with outlets including the BBC, The Independent, People, and Page Six confirming the move and its context. As renovations at Marsh Farm progress—potentially completing by early April 2026—Andrew's transition to a quieter, more private existence continues amid persistent public and legal scrutiny.
