Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has made his first visit to his new home on the Sandringham estate as preparations continue for his departure from Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
The former prince, who is due to vacate the 30-room property in the coming weeks, was seen inspecting Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom farmhouse on the King’s privately owned Norfolk estate, where he is expected to live quietly once renovation work is completed.
The visit comes as removal vans have already been observed at Royal Lodge, signalling the final stages of his exit from the property, which he has occupied for more than two decades.
Marsh Farm, which lies several miles from the main Sandringham House, has stood empty for a number of years and is currently undergoing refurbishment. Work at the site is understood to include internal modernisation, upgraded security measures and the installation of broadband services.
During his visit, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was seen reviewing the progress of the renovations and arranging practical matters, including measurements for curtains, according to individuals familiar with the preparations.
Until the work is completed, he is expected to stay at nearby Wood Farm Cottage, a smaller property on the estate previously used by the late Prince Philip.
A source quoted in recent reports said that the former prince had accepted that the move marked a significant change in his circumstances. “He has come to terms with the fact that this is his future,” the source said. “He understands he must make the best of it and move on with his life.”
Security around Marsh Farm has been increased in recent weeks, with a six-foot perimeter fence erected and additional monitoring introduced. The restricted airspace surrounding Sandringham is also believed to have been extended to cover the farmhouse.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s relocation follows his agreement to surrender the long lease on Royal Lodge, which he held for more than 20 years. The decision was taken after sustained pressure on the King to resolve his brother’s living arrangements following the Duke of York’s withdrawal from public duties.
In October last year, he was stripped of his remaining royal titles and honours. Buckingham Palace said at the time that the decision reflected “serious lapses of judgment” and reiterated the King’s sympathy for victims and survivors of abuse.
The former Prince has consistently denied all allegations made against him in connection with his former association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
It is understood that he will fully vacate Royal Lodge before his birthday in mid-February, at which point the keys will be formally returned to the Crown Estate.
His former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has continued to live at Royal Lodge despite their divorce in 1996, is also expected to leave the property, though her future accommodation has not been confirmed.
Locals in the Sandringham area have reported increased activity at Marsh Farm in recent weeks, with builders working on outbuildings and construction vehicles visible on nearby roads. The farmhouse lies close to a public route, though screening and landscaping work is believed to be planned.
Once complete, the move will mark the end of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s long residence in Windsor and the beginning of a far lower-profile life in Norfolk, away from the public scrutiny that has followed him for much of the past decade.
