Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the embattled British royal, has relocated from his Windsor residence to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
The former prince, who had his titles revoked last October, reportedly vacated Royal Lodge on Monday night. He is presently residing in a temporary location on the Sandringham Estate as renovations are carried out on his permanent abode.
Last October, Buckingham Palace announced Andrew’s departure from Royal Lodge, following a breakdown in his standing within the royal family due to serious allegations against him.
Increased scrutiny over Andrew’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein has intensified tensions among senior royals and the public, with escalating demands for Andrew to testify in the United States regarding his interactions with the convicted financier.
Andrew has persistently denied any wrongdoing and has minimized his association with the deceased American businessman.
Nonetheless, recent document releases related to Epstein, including images purportedly showing Mountbatten-Windsor in compromising situations, have renewed scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein.
Published files also included email exchanges between Epstein and Andrew, dating back to after the US financier’s guilty plea for soliciting a minor, further complicating matters for the royal family.
The formal eviction notice from Royal Lodge was issued in October, amid a hotly debated public controversy surrounding the nominal rent paid to the Crown Estate, who leased the property.
Under his previous lease, Andrew paid a symbolic rent of just £1 ($1.37) per annum, despite the property’s valuation at £30 million to £40 million ($37 million–$57 million).
While UK taxpayers did not cover this £1 fee, the lack of considerable rental revenue, which would have otherwise been directed to the treasury, effectively meant a financial loss for British taxpayers.
Questions also arose regarding whether taxpayer money funded over £2 million ($2.73 million) in repairs to the property.
Andrew was last observed in Windsor on Monday, horseback riding, and was subsequently seen driving away from Windsor Castle, waving to onlookers.
Though official details about Andrew’s new residence have not been confirmed, it is speculated he will move to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
The estate is privately owned by King Charles, who will bear the costs of his brother’s new accommodation.