Andrew faces eviction from Royal Lodge ‘in weeks’ | UK | News

Work has begun to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from Royal Lodge ahead of his 66th birthday next month, as preparations accelerate for his move to the Sandringham estate.

The Sun reports renovations are under way at Marsh Farm, a former farmhouse on the King’s Norfolk land, which is being converted into the disgraced royal’s new residence after he surrendered his Windsor tenancy.

Six-foot wooden fencing has been installed around the perimeter of the property, while builders have started work inside the previously unused farm buildings. Meanwhile a royal insider has revealed the one condition needed for Harry and Meghan to receive a royal invite to return to the UK.

A digger was seen on the front lawn as electricians carried out upgrades to make the site habitable. Additional security is being fitted, including CCTV, with new doors delivered ready for installation.

Andrew handed back his Royal Lodge lease in October after being stripped of his remaining royal titles amid renewed controversy surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Temporary move planned before birthday

Palace insiders say Andrew will initially relocate to a smaller Sandringham property before moving into Marsh Farm once renovations are completed around Easter.

The Sun understands the move could take place before the end of this month, ahead of his birthday on February 19.

A source said: “The snow or rain hasn’t delayed the work on Marsh Farm but it still needs a lot of attention to make it habitable.
“But one thing for sure is that it is a lot, lot smaller and less luxurious than Royal Lodge.”

Farmhouse earmarked months ago

The Express previously revealed that Marsh Farm, located around two miles west of Sandringham House, had been identified as Andrew’s future home.

A drone exclusion zone was expanded last autumn to cover the site.

When the property was visited yesterday, at least six workers were seen carrying out work both inside and outside despite poor weather conditions.

Specialist contractors were installing security systems, while two workers focused on erecting the wooden perimeter fence with the help of a JCB. A security company vehicle was also parked outside the farmhouse.

Sources said the farmhouse, along with its outbuildings and stables, had previously been occupied by a tenant farmer who died some time ago.

The site has been vacant for several years and requires extensive work, including electrical upgrades and improvements to sewerage systems. Renovations are expected to be completed by April.

Andrew and Sarah to live separately

Andrew has continued to live at Royal Lodge with his former wife Sarah Ferguson, but sources say that arrangement is coming to an end.

A friend said: “He’s finally decided he needs to get on with his life and so is moving out sooner than thought and starting afresh by the end of the month, or at least before his birthday in February.

“He and Sarah will go their own separate ways for the first time in almost 20 years.

“Apart from involvement with the children and grandchildren, they will live separate lives.”

Despite his public fall from grace, Andrew has frequently been seen riding horses on the Windsor estate during his remaining time at Royal Lodge.

Long-running dispute over Royal Lodge

Andrew paid £1million in 2003 for a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge and later spent at least £7.5million on renovations.

Sarah Ferguson previously described herself as a “lodger” at the property. The couple divorced in 1996 and are understood to have lived in separate parts of the mansion.

Calls for Andrew to leave intensified after Virginia Giuffre accused him of having sex with her in London, New York and the Caribbean when she was 17, allegations he has denied.

Last year, Andrew reportedly suggested relocating to Frogmore Cottage if Sarah could move into Adelaide Cottage, but the proposal did not progress.

Pressure escalated after it emerged he had continued emailing Epstein despite telling BBC Newsnight in 2019 that he had cut off contact.

It was later revealed he had not paid rent to the Crown Estate for Royal Lodge.

Buckingham Palace confirmed in October that Andrew had returned his lease and would move to Sandringham, with King Charles funding his new arrangements.

Sarah Ferguson’s plans unclear

At the time, the Palace said it understood Sarah Ferguson had secured alternative accommodation.

However, she is believed to still be searching for a new home. Insiders say suggestions such as moving into a “granny annexe” near Princess Beatrice in the Cotswolds or relocating to Portugal with Princess Eugenie are not being considered.

Sources close to the Duchess of York have declined to confirm her future plans to The Sun.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment.