Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing significant changes in his life as renovations on his new home at Sandringham are already in full swing.
The disgraced royal, who’s set to be kicked out of the Windsor Estate’s Royal Lodge ahead of his 66th birthday next month, is in the midst of moving from the luxurious setting he’s known for over two decades.
This change comes after he was stripped of his royal titles in October, following his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Workers are now busy at Marsh Farm, a much smaller, more modest property located on the King’s Norfolk estate.
This marks a significant step down from the lavish Royal Lodge, where Andrew has lived rent-free since 2003.
It appears that Andrew’s lifestyle is undergoing a major shift as he is forced to leave the Windsor Estate behind.
Busy Construction Scene at Marsh Farm: A New Chapter Begins
Over at Marsh Farm, the scene is one of transformation.
A JCB digger was spotted on-site on Tuesday, and electricians are hard at work turning the farmhouse and its buildings into a livable space for the former prince.
At least six workers were seen entering the property, and even a van from a specialist security firm was observed on the estate, hinting at Andrew’s heightened security needs during this transition.
Wooden fences, standing at a towering six feet, have been erected around the property to ensure privacy and security.
According to sources, the renovation process is progressing steadily, despite the challenging weather.
“Snow or rain hasn’t delayed the work, but there’s still plenty to be done,” a palace insider shared.
Although the property is being made habitable, it’s clear that Marsh Farm will be much smaller and less luxurious than Royal Lodge, signaling a stark contrast in Andrew’s living conditions moving forward.
Temporary Move Ahead of 66th Birthday: Andrew to Relocate by End of January
Andrew isn’t expected to settle at Marsh Farm just yet.
As early as the end of this month, he will temporarily move to a smaller property on the King’s Norfolk estate.
This move is expected to happen before his birthday on February 19, 2026.
While Andrew has reportedly expressed interest in moving to Wood Farm, the former home of Prince Philip, there were concerns about being “too close” to the rest of the royal family.
Instead, Marsh Farm, located just two miles west of Sandringham House, will be his new base until the extensive renovations are completed.
Marsh Farm has been empty for several years, and the surrounding outhouses were previously occupied by a tenant who passed away some time ago.
Controversy Over Royal Lodge Lease and Lack of Inspections
The timing of Andrew’s departure from Royal Lodge raises questions about the management of the estate over the years.
A report from the Mail revealed that, in the 22 years Andrew lived at the 30-room mansion, not a single Crown Estate official ever conducted an inspection, despite an agreement in his lease that required inspections at “all reasonable times.”
When Andrew first moved into the Royal Lodge in 2003, the terms of the lease were extraordinary.
He was allowed to live in the property rent-free but was responsible for paying £8 million to refurbish the dilapidated home.
In return, the Crown Estate allowed him to avoid paying rent for the duration of his 75-year lease.
However, the lack of inspections has led to concerns about the fairness of the arrangement, with critics describing it as a “sweetheart deal” at the taxpayers’ expense.
A New Chapter for Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
Although Andrew’s departure marks a significant personal and financial shift, it also represents a new phase in his relationship with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The two have lived together at Royal Lodge since 2008, despite their divorce in 1996.
Known for their close bond, they’ve often referred to themselves as “the happiest divorced couple in the world.”
However, it seems the time has come for both to move on.
A source close to the couple shared that Andrew is eager to start fresh and is planning to leave the Royal Lodge sooner than expected—likely before his 66th birthday in February.
For Sarah, this also signals a major change, and she’s reportedly considering her next move, with options including a “granny annexe” next to Princess Beatrice in the Cotswolds or possibly relocating to Portugal, where she would live near Princess Eugenie.
Andrew’s Future: A Drastic Shift in Royal Life
This change of residence marks a drastic shift in Andrew’s life, both in terms of his living situation and his position within the royal family.
The move from the expansive Royal Lodge to a much smaller, less luxurious home signals his fall from grace, following the scandal surrounding his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
It’s clear that Andrew’s life will never be the same again.
While his future in the royal fold is uncertain, he seems to be taking this next step as a necessary part of moving forward.
With renovations on Marsh Farm underway, Andrew is beginning to rebuild his life, though the royal family’s scrutiny is far from over.
While his relocation will certainly be a hot topic for the tabloids, it seems Andrew is determined to continue living life on his own terms—though, for now, those terms are far more modest than what he’s used to.
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