The rumors are flying again. If you’ve been following the royal soap opera lately, you know that Prince Andrew is reportedly planning a big move, and honestly, it’s about time. For months, the "Siege of Royal Lodge" has felt like a stale-mate that would never end. But the moving trucks have actually been spotted, and the reality of where he’s heading is a far cry from the 30-room mansion he’s called home for two decades.
He isn't just switching houses. He’s essentially being "re-homed" to a place that some royal insiders are calling a "shoebox" compared to his former life.
The end of the Royal Lodge era
Since 2003, Andrew has lived at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. It’s a massive, sprawling estate. We’re talking about a property worth roughly $38 million with enough room to hide a small army. But after his titles were stripped in October 2025 following the fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, King Charles finally put his foot down. The lease, which was supposed to run until 2078, is being torn up.
The king basically cut off the private funding and the security detail. It’s a "move or lose everything" scenario.
Recent reports from January 2026 suggest a hard deadline. Prince Andrew is reportedly planning a big move to be completed by Easter, which falls on April 5 this year. The goal is to have him out of Windsor before the family gathers for their traditional Easter church service. Nobody wants that awkward "hey, you’re still here?" moment at the buffet.
Where is he actually going?
Forget the rumors about a palace in Bahrain or a villa in Abu Dhabi for a second. While there was talk of a Middle Eastern exile, the immediate plan is much more local. He’s headed to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
If you’re picturing another palace, think again.
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- Marsh Farm is a five-bedroom farmhouse.
- It’s been described as "ramshackle" and has been sitting empty for years.
- The property is roughly seven miles away from the main Sandringham House.
- It reportedly needs massive work on the plumbing, electrical systems, and sewage.
Workers have been seen frantically installing 1.8-meter timber fences and security cameras. They even put up a new satellite dish last week. It’s basically a high-security renovation project for a man who used to have staff for everything.
The "Hoarder" problem and the Jan 25 deadline
Here’s the thing that gets lost in the headlines: moving Andrew is a logistical nightmare. Insiders have dished to outlets like The News and Rob Shuter’s Substack that Andrew is a "natural hoarder."
We aren't talking about old newspapers. We're talking about floor-to-ceiling stacks of personal photographs, documents, and massive collections of... stuff. Palace staff have reportedly been sorting through it all, trying to figure out what belongs to the Crown and what belongs to the man now known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
One source mentioned that some of the rooms are so packed he wasn't even ready to let people in to help. But time is up. There are reports that he’s been told to be out by January 25, 2026. Because Marsh Farm isn't ready yet—thanks to those "ramshackle" conditions—he’s likely moving into a temporary "interim" cottage at Sandringham first.
Sarah Ferguson is staying behind
This is probably the biggest twist. Sarah Ferguson, who has lived with her ex-husband at Royal Lodge since 2008, isn't coming along for this ride.
The "Duchess of York" is reportedly looking for her own place in the Windsor area. The days of them living together in a 30-room mansion are officially over. It seems she’s ready to "spread her wings," which is a polite way of saying she’s not moving into a drafty farmhouse in Norfolk with him.
Why this move actually matters
This isn't just about real estate. It’s about the "slimming down" of the monarchy that King Charles has been obsessed with. By moving Andrew to a private property like Marsh Farm—which the King owns personally—the public can’t complain about "peppercorn rents" or taxpayer-funded security.
It’s a strategic disappearance. In Norfolk, Andrew will be a "country gentleman" in a village called Wolferton. It’s isolated. It’s quiet. It’s a "cushioned isolation," as some biographers put it.
What happens next?
If you’re watching this play out, keep an eye on the February 19 deadline. That’s Andrew’s 66th birthday. The Palace wants him settled in Norfolk by then so they can finally "draw a line" under the controversy.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers:
- Watch the Windsor gates: If you see more white Mercedes removal vans this week, the January 25 deadline is real.
- Check the Sandringham no-fly zone: The no-fly ban was recently extended to cover Marsh Farm, a huge tell that security is being finalized for a high-profile resident.
- Look for Sarah’s next move: If Fergie buys a place in Windsor, it confirms the permanent split in their living arrangements.
Ultimately, Prince Andrew is reportedly planning a big move because he has no other choice. The "Prince of Windsor" era is dead. The "Farmer of Norfolk" era is just beginning.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official Court Circular for mentions of Andrew’s attendance—or lack thereof—at upcoming spring events, as his level of inclusion will signal exactly how deep this "internal exile" goes.