From Palace Life to a Fresh Start: How Prince Andrew’s New Reality Is Raising Concerns Within the Royal Family

A remote farmhouse, a removal van, and royal silence — fresh signs suggest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's long-anticipated departure is underway, triggering deeper unease about his future and the rift within the Royal Family.

After months of resistance, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appears to be quietly preparing for life in exile. Activity at both ends of his current and rumoured future residences has triggered intense speculation that the disgraced former royal is finally moving on — and out.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during round two of the Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Club on July 20, 2018, in Carnoustie, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images

Workmen were recently spotted refurbishing a modest farmhouse on the Sandringham Estate, fuelling reports that Andrew will soon relocate to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom property considered a dramatic downgrade from the 30-room Royal Lodge he has long called home.

Days later, a royal household removal van was seen entering the gates of the Windsor estate, adding to mounting signs that the move is not only real but imminent.

Amid reports that Royal Lodge is now in disarray, insiders claim Andrew could be forced to vacate the property by his 66th birthday next month. Though the Palace has not confirmed Marsh Farm as his new home, refurbishment efforts suggest a hasty and reluctant handover is underway.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at a commemoration service at Manchester Cathedral marking the 100th anniversary since the start of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 2016, in England. | Source: Getty Images

In anticipation of the move, Andrew has reportedly enlisted help from Sarah Ferguson, his ex-wife, who also resides at Royal Lodge and will likewise have to leave.

A former secretary has joined the effort to sort through decades of paperwork, photographs, and personal items — a daunting task given the scale of the downsizing.

Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during the King George VI racing meet at Ascot Racecourse on July 29, 2017, in England. | Source: Getty Images

According to one source, "Royal Lodge is in quite a state," as the former prince has finally accepted that much of what he owns cannot come with him.

Among the items that will not be making the journey are several expensive firearms — gifts from wealthy friends — which were removed in November 2025 and are now in the possession of King Charles III.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at the funeral service of Patricia Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, at St. Paul's Church on June 27, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

That development followed a tense visit from Metropolitan Police officers who, after consulting with the King's private secretary, advised Andrew to surrender his gun licence. A source revealed:

"Eventually, having been calmed down by Sarah, Andrew accepted that he needed to surrender his licence and handed over the guns he kept at the Lodge."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at the QIPCO King George Weekend at Ascot Racecourse on July 27, 2019, in England. | Source: Getty Images

His ceremonial swords, which do not require a licence, remain in his possession. Still, the removal of his gun collection — just weeks after losing his titles and royal status — is widely viewed as another symbolic blow in a steep and ongoing fall from grace.

Yet the property itself may prove the greatest insult. Once used for Girl Guide camps and local events in the 1970s, Marsh Farm is seen by some within the royal circle as an unworthy residence for a senior royal — even a disgraced one.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Murdoch University on October 2, 2019, in Perth, Australia. | Source: Getty Images

Furthermore, tucked away on the Sandringham Estate and with no direct ties to Andrew, the property's remoteness is causing serious concern within the family.

One insider questioned whether "leaving Andrew cut off may not be wise," given the location's isolation and limited access to social or transport networks. In fact, the village where the farm sits has a population of just 200.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on April 17, 2021, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Anne and Prince Edward are among those said to have voiced discomfort over how the situation has been handled. The princess, in particular, has been "vocal" in her conversations with both the King and the Prince of Wales, expressing concern that the treatment of Andrew has been unnecessarily harsh.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, King Charles III, and Anne, Princess Royal walking behind the Queen's funeral cortege borne on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy as it departed Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Behind palace walls, tensions have flared. There are said to be multiple ongoing disputes — between Andrew and the King, and between the King and other family members — over what some see as a disproportionate response. One source said:

"It is easy to forget that Andrew has not been found guilty of anything and he denies all allegations."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and King Charles III at Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee at St. Paul's Cathedral on June 5, 2012, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

While the King stripped Andrew of his titles in the wake of public backlash over his ties to the late convicted sex offender and American financier Jeffrey Epstein, insiders suggest he remains conflicted.

Privately, the monarch is said to regret not allowing his brother to keep at least the courtesy of being called Prince Andrew, recognising his direct lineage as the son of a Queen and a King.

Melania Trump, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Gwendolyn Beck, and Jeffrey Epstein at a party at the Mar-a-Lago club on February 12, 2000, in Palm Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

"The King believes in the principle of innocence until proven guilty," one insider claimed, adding that the late Queen Elizabeth II died believing in Andrew's innocence.

Despite this, His Majesty's position has been influenced by stronger voices within the Firm — most notably Queen Camilla and Prince William, who are understood to favour a harder line.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during the ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on September 14, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Still, King Charles' reported doubts have led to minor concessions. One notable example was his decision to reinstate Andrew's access to the royal stables at Windsor, a small but meaningful gesture said to have been offered as an olive branch.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and King Charles III at Westminster Cathedral on September 16, 2025, following a Requiem Mass for the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent. | Source: Getty Images

Discussions over Andrew's future continue, particularly regarding his next residence. He is understood to have preferred Wood Farm, a larger property on the Sandringham Estate often used for royal guests.

However, due to its more prominent royal associations, it was deemed unsuitable. Similarly, York Cottage, despite its name and size, was ruled out — both for financial reasons and because Andrew no longer holds the Duke of York title.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation on May 6, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

In the longer term, Andrew may not remain in Norfolk. There is quiet talk that he could relocate abroad — possibly to Bahrain, where he has established contacts and where his daughters have visited frequently in recent years.

As for the court of public opinion, Andrew's potential move and the treatment he's received within royal circles have stirred divided opinion online. Some have been quick to defend the measures taken against him, citing the seriousness of his association with Jeffrey.

"No more than he deserved," commented one person. Another added, "Think it's a better option than say…prison," while a third typed, "Seriously, at least he has a roof over his head!"

A fourth netizen wrote, "The worry was not going far enough, Andrew has brought shame on his family which happens to be the Royal Family and like any other family they're not immune to public scrutiny and scandal."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following the royal family's traditional Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023, in Sandringham, eastern England. | Source: Getty Images

"Although they're totally innocent in all this, they have to distance themselves from a bad egg, whether Andrew is guilty or not his association with heinous Epstein has brought on all this scandal," the comment continued.

Others took aim at the optics of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's reported discomfort with Marsh Farm's modest size. "If the free house he's getting isn't up to his standards, he can always go and find something he thinks is appropriate," shared one commenter.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at St. George's Chapel at the Easter Mattins Service on March 31, 2024, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Still, not all reactions were unsympathetic. A few noted the personal toll the ongoing fallout may be having behind closed doors. "They are family after all it's nice that Ann and Edward show they care [sic]," said one person.

"The treatment Andrew has had deservedly or not and without doubt must be effecting his physical and mental health now his daughter has broken ties on top even though I think he would have excepted her decision so she could stay within the fold !! [sic]," they added.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at the traditional Easter Sunday Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel on April 20, 2025, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

Another observed, "Such a fall from grace.. The family had to be seen to do something about his past, im sure he will be well looked after in the background [sic]."

For now, however, the countdown continues. Marsh Farm may not yet have a royal resident, but the writing on the wall is unmistakable — and the exile, it seems, has already begun.