Under cover of darkness, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, quietly left Windsor behind, settling into a new, far more secluded existence at Sandringham. However, his arrival has been met with considerable unrest among locals, some of whom have gone so far as to demand he be “locked up” or exiled.
Stripped of all royal titles amid ongoing scrutiny over his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew now lives in relative isolation on the Sandringham estate. Temporarily residing in Wood Farm Cottage while awaiting the completion of renovations at his future home, Marsh Farm, the former royal finds himself removed from previous privileges—and the public eye.
This stark contrast to his former life at the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge in Windsor is palpable. Sandringham is remote and rural, a world apart from the jet-setting lifestyle that once defined Andrew’s days. The nearby market town of King’s Lynn, long accustomed to royal visits and festive tourists, is now the frontline for a growing wave of public discontent.
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Locals express their unease openly. Angela, a resident who frequents King’s Lynn railway station, shared: “We love Sandringham, we don’t care who’s there, but I think my best thought is that he should exile himself and put us all out of our misery.”
The controversy surrounding Andrew has intensified following the recent release of documents suggesting he passed sensitive information to Epstein during his tenure as the UK trade envoy. Authorities are investigating these new claims, with the anti-monarchy group Republic having filed a police complaint. Thames Valley Police are currently reviewing the matter.
Residents like Chris Thompson find Andrew’s move unsettling. “I would have thought King Charles is supporting him with his bills, but it’s a bit bleak out there. I don’t think there’ll be a lot for him to do,” he remarked.
Andrew himself reportedly resents the cramped quarters at Marsh Farm, set to become his permanent residence. Compared to his previous homes, this modest five-bedroom property—with its risk of flooding due to its location on a floodplain—represents a significant downgrade. Security upgrades are underway to safeguard him, yet the proximity to public paths and lack of privacy remain challenges.
Despite the tension, some locals feel powerless to influence the situation. “You just have to get on with it, and hopefully he moves somewhere else,” says Shanna, a shopper in King’s Lynn’s historic center.
Business owners like Cole, who runs the House of Hair and Beauty salon, express strong opposition. “I think someone like Andrew should be locked up, and justice should be served,” she stated.
Meanwhile, sympathy is extended to other royals, particularly King Charles III, who is believed to have accelerated Andrew’s relocation to minimize public attention. A Palace source explained that the King now assumes full responsibility for his brother’s private funding and aims to keep him from causing further issues.
The royal family has mostly remained silent throughout the ordeal, adhering to their doctrine of “never complain, never explain.” Yet, recent statements reflect growing concern: Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles has expressed “profound concern” over the allegations and will cooperate with police investigations. Similarly, the Prince and Princess of Wales voiced sympathy for the victims affected by the ongoing revelations.
The King’s awareness of public sentiment was highlighted during a recent visit to Lancashire, where he was heckled with questions about his knowledge of Andrew’s misconduct, reflecting the national unease with the issue.
While many in King’s Lynn respect the royal heritage and traditions, Andrew’s presence casts a shadow that few feel equipped to bear. The complex situation continues to unravel, with the future of the once-prominent royal now greatly diminished and contentious.
The Mirror has reached out to Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew, and Buckingham Palace for comment. Andrew has consistently denied all wrongdoing.