If you’ve been following the royal soap opera lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about removal vans and "shoebox" cottages. It’s all a bit of a mess, honestly. For years, the big question wasn't just about what he did, but about where does Prince Andrew live and why on earth he was still there.
The short answer? As of early 2026, he is technically still at Royal Lodge in Windsor, but the clock hasn't just started ticking—it’s practically screaming. After a brutal standoff with King Charles III that lasted most of 2025, the "disgraced" Duke of York is finally packing his bags. We’re talking about a 30-room mansion that he’s called home for over 20 years. But by the time his 66th birthday rolls around this February, he’s expected to be out.
The Royal Lodge: A 30-Room Fortress
Royal Lodge isn't just a house. It’s a massive Grade II listed property sitting on 98 acres of prime Windsor Great Park real estate. It’s got a private chapel, separate lodges for security, and enough space to host a small army.
Andrew moved in back in 2004, shortly after the Queen Mother passed away. He signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate, and this is where things get "kinda" complicated. He didn't pay traditional rent. Instead, he paid a lump sum of roughly £1 million and promised to spend millions more on renovations.
Basically, he felt he had a "watertight" legal right to stay until 2078. But mansions are expensive. Like, really expensive. When King Charles cut off Andrew’s £1.1 million annual allowance and stopped paying for his private security team in 2025, the walls started closing in. You can’t heat a 30-room house on a fixed income, especially when the roof is literally falling apart.
Where is He Moving? The Sandringham "Shoebox"
There was a lot of talk about him moving into Frogmore Cottage—the place Harry and Meghan famously renovated before being evicted. Andrew reportedly turned it down because it wasn't "grand enough."
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Well, the options have narrowed.
The most likely destination now is Marsh Farm, a property on the King’s private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. If Royal Lodge is a palace, Marsh Farm is... well, it’s a farmhouse. It’s being described as "shoebox-sized" in comparison, though in the real world, it’s a perfectly nice five-bedroom home.
Why the move to Norfolk matters:
- Privacy: It’s on the King’s private land, meaning the public can’t just wander by.
- Isolation: It’s miles away from the social hub of Windsor. It’s basically internal exile.
- Security: Recent reports show six-foot wooden fences and high-tech CCTV being installed.
The Divorcee Roommate Situation
One of the weirdest parts of this whole story is that Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has been living at Royal Lodge with him since 2008. They’ve been divorced since 1996. Talk about an awkward living arrangement.
Word on the street is that this move to Sandringham might finally be the end of their cohabitation. While Andrew heads to the "bleak beauty" of the Norfolk coast, Fergie is reportedly looking for her own place in Windsor to be closer to their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. Honestly, it’s about time they had their own kitchens, right?
Why King Charles Forced the Move
This wasn't just about a brotherly spat. It was about the "brand." Following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the loss of Andrew's military titles, his presence in a prominent royal residence became a massive PR headache.
In October 2025, the King took the unprecedented step of stripping Andrew of his remaining royal styles and honors. He’s now officially referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in most formal contexts. Removing him from Royal Lodge is the final step in "slimming down" the monarchy.
Current Status of the Relocation
- Removal Vans: Spotted at the Windsor gates in mid-January 2026.
- The Deadline: He is expected to vacate before February 19, 2026.
- Renovations: Marsh Farm has been undergoing "day and night" work to get it ready for a former royal who doesn't know how to cook or shop for himself.
Is He Heading to the Middle East?
There’s a persistent rumor that Andrew might ditch the UK entirely. Some royal experts, like Robert Jobson, have suggested he could relocate to Bahrain.
Why? Because in the Middle East, he might still get the "recognition" as a King’s brother that he no longer gets at home. He has long-standing business ties there, and let's be real—the weather is better than a drafty farmhouse in Norfolk. However, for now, the Norfolk "exile" seems to be the official plan.
What This Means for You
If you’re planning a trip to Windsor, don't expect to see the Duke riding his horses around the Lodge much longer. The property will likely undergo massive renovations once he's out—reports suggest it’s in a state of "crumbling" decay because the maintenance wasn't kept up. There’s even talk that Prince William and Princess Kate might eventually move in, though they seem pretty happy at Adelaide Cottage for now.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers:
- Watch the Sandringham Perimeter: If you're in Norfolk, you'll notice increased security around the Wolferton area.
- Check the Official Circular: Keep an eye on the Court Circular for changes in how he is addressed; the "Prince" title is effectively retired.
- The Windsor Trail: If you visit Windsor Great Park, you can see the exterior of Royal Lodge from a distance, but it remains a high-security zone even after he leaves.
The era of Andrew at Windsor is over. Whether he settles into a quiet life in Norfolk or heads for the sun in Bahrain, the "Prince of Royal Lodge" has officially left the building.