Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been seen in his new home in Sandringham for the first time since being exiled from his beloved Royal Lodge in Windsor.
On Thursday, the former Duke of York, 65, was spotted inside Marsh Farm, which is currently undergoing renovations before he moves in full-time, a source told HELLO!. He appeared to be visiting from his temporary home, nearby Wood Farm, to check on the progress.
It is the first time he has been seen since relocating from Windsor last week, where he lived in the Grade II-listed Royal Lodge since 2004 with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, despite only paying “peppercorn” rent.
© Karwai Tang/WireImageAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Andrew was joined by his security team as the renovations continued. Workmen on the site have previously been seen putting up a security fence and installing Sky broadband, while builders’ vans, a digger, and Portaloos have all been spotted as emergency security repairs are carried out to an ancient perimeter wall that had collapsed.
Meanwhile, back at Wood Farm, Andrew’s temporary home, a company specialising in air conditioning and ventilation systems was seen driving into the property. On Friday, a Waitrose van was also spotted making a delivery. It comes exactly a week after Andrew’s previous supermarket drop-off, suggesting the former prince is settling down into his new routine.
© Bav MediaA Waitrose van making Andrew’s weekly delivery in Sandringham
Andrew’s new life in Wood Farm
Andrew is being temporarily housed at Wood Farm while the team prepares Marsh Farm for his permanent residence. He is technically downsizing from his previous 98-acre estate, but his new lodgings are still very sizeable. They are set within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and members of the public can explore the parkland at their leisure.
Marsh Farm also comes with its own stables, meaning Andrew can continue his beloved horse riding hobby. He was often spotted out on horseback in Windsor, and was recently pictured doing so with his daughter, Princess Beatrice, and granddaughter, Sienna Mapelli Mozzi, four.
© Getty ImagesAndrew will move into Marsh Farm in April
His new property comes with a six-foot fence around the perimeter, while the estate’s “no-fly zone” has been extended to include the area. Wood Farm is a five-bed property that’s well known for being where the late Prince Philip spent much of his time after retiring from public duties in August 2017.
When did Andrew actually leave Royal Lodge?
Andrew officially left Royal Lodge on 2 February and relocated to Sandringham. The move came three months after the King stripped his younger brother of all of his titles, styles and honours following a string of scandals.
© ShutterstockWood Farm in Sandringham, Norfolk where Prince Philip used to live during his retirement
Andrew had been embroiled in controversy for years over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations, which he denies, that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager and had been trafficked by Epstein.
In the latest disclosure of files linked to Epstein, the former prince was pictured leaning over a woman who was lying on the floor. The images have no caption but appear to show the former duke touching the woman’s abdomen. It is not known where or when they were taken.