Prince Andrew to Enter Exile at King Charles' Private Sandringham Estate

King Charles III has ordered his disgraced brother, Prince Andrew, to leave the 30-room Royal Lodge on the grounds of Windsor Castle for a smaller home on the Sandringham Estate in the east of England. This move symbolizes Andrew's internal exile and the continued fallout from his ties to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew, 65, will not be slumming it, but his banishment is clear. Despite losing his titles and royal status, he will still be provided with a home and an annual stipend from Charles' private resources. The move is a significant step in the monarchy's efforts to distance itself from the scandals surrounding Andrew.

Andrew denies allegations of improper behavior during his long friendship with Epstein, including those from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claimed she had sex with the ex-prince when she was 17. Following years of scandals, Charles has taken a decisive step to insulate the monarchy from any further exposure related to Andrew’s connections with Epstein, who took his own life in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Andrew has been given notice that his time at Royal Lodge, where he has lived for over 20 years, is coming to an end. He signed a 75-year lease in 2003 with the Crown Estate and invested 7.5 million pounds to refurbish the home. He currently resides there for an annual symbolic sum. His move won’t happen overnight, as moving house is a significant ordeal, especially for someone with extensive belongings.

It will take Andrew and his helpers a considerable amount of time to sort through his possessions, decide what to keep, give to charity, or discard. This process also includes dividing possessions with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has lived with him at Royal Lodge since 2008 but will not be moving to Sandringham.

With Christmas looming, the timing of Andrew’s move is strategic. The royal family aims to isolate him, ensuring he is not within proximity during the festive season when they gather at Sandringham House for the annual church service and banquet. The expectation is that Andrew will move to his new home in one of the UK’s least densely populated counties after the festivities.

The Sandringham Estate, not an official royal residence, is owned by the royal family and has been passed down for over 160 years. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book as “Sant Dersingham” and later shortened to Sandringham. Queen Victoria bought the estate in 1862 for her eldest son, Edward, hoping it would keep him out of trouble. The estate has since been a beloved retreat for successive monarchs.

There is speculation about which property Andrew will move to. Options include Wood Farm, favored by his parents, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip, and Park House, the birthplace and childhood home of Diana, Princess of Wales. York Cottage, where King George V lived before becoming monarch, is another possibility. However, York Cottage shares the name of the dukedom Andrew once held, which might be a constant reminder of his past.

Another option is Gardens House, a former home of the estate’s head gardener, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The Folly, a hunting lodge and a place for afternoon tea, is also a possibility, though it only has three bedrooms.

Andrew’s move to Sandringham is a significant step in the monarchy’s efforts to maintain its reputation and distance itself from the controversies surrounding him. The decision reflects the royal family’s commitment to addressing public anger and ensuring the monarchy’s future remains secure.