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Andrew Finally Leaves Royal Lodge and Begins Exile as New Epstein Files Spark Outrage

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at China Tang. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images |  Niki Nikolova)
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor at China Tang. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Niki Nikolova)
Feb. 04 2026, Published 02:06 AM. ET
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Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has finally let go of the last thread he was hanging on to. With his departure from Royal Lodge, he surrendered not just a home but also his remaining foothold within the inner orbit of the monarchy — marking the clearest beginning yet of a life lived on the royal margins.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the Easter service at St George's Chapel on April 20, 2025 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Easter service at St George's Chapel on April 20, 2025, in Windsor, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

The former Prince, now 65, has reportedly moved out of the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor and relocated to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. According to the BBC, Mountbatten-Windsor left Royal Lodge on Monday night in a quiet and decisive exit that formally leads to what many observers describe as royal exile. He is said to be temporarily staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate while renovations are completed on a more modest long-term residence at nearby Marsh Farm.

The outlet also reported that while Mountbatten-Windsor is “expected to return to Windsor over the next few weeks to collect the remainder of his belongings,” his permanent base is now officially in Norfolk.

A Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, England, known as the Royal Lodge since the late 1820s. From
A Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, England, known as the Royal Lodge since the late 1820s. (Image Source: Getty Images | The Print Collector)

Earlier on Monday, he was spotted horseback riding near Royal Lodge and was later seen waving to bystanders as he drove away from Windsor Castle. His relocation comes at a moment of heightened scrutiny over his ties to the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of a fresh tranche of documents. These records exposed additional emails and a repugnant image that shows Mountbatten-Windsor on all fours over an unconscious woman.

Further, emails exchanged between Epstein and an account identified as 'The Duke' on August 11 and 12, 2010, suggest Epstein wanted to introduce 'A' to a 26-year-old Russian woman, whom he described as someone he “might enjoy having dinner with.” Epstein noted that the woman would be in London that August. 'The Duke' replied that he would be in Geneva “until the morning of the 22nd, but would be delighted to see her,” before asking: “Will she be bringing a message from you? Please give her my contact details to get in touch.”

Image Source: Getty Images | Davidoff Studios
Melania Trump and then-Prince Andrew with Jeffrey Epstein. (Image Source: Getty Images | Davidoff Studios)

As for his residence, it had been reported earlier that before settling on Marsh Farm within the Sandringham Estate, the disgraced royal had requested Wood Farm as a permanent residence but was denied, as it was deemed 'too close' to the royal family’s traditional Christmas base at Sandringham. Further reports suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor was furious after seeing the modest, shoe-sized residence earmarked for him on the estate. Sources told royal commentator Rob Shuter that his reaction was anything but subtle. Writing on his Substack, Shuter said the walkthrough prompted not relief, but visible disappointment. “The moment he walked in, his face dropped,” one insider claimed, adding, “He thought it was beneath him. Too small, too isolated — he actually called it the middle of nowhere.”

Rather than viewing the property as a necessary downgrade after years of controversy, Mountbatten-Windsor was said to be pushing back. According to another source, he has already begun outlining a list of expectations that go far beyond simply moving in. “He wants a golf course, stables, shooting rights — the works,” the insider alleged. “He’s talking about gutting the bathrooms, redoing the kitchen, rebuilding servant quarters, and upgrading every inch.”

If you are being subjected to sexual assault, or know of anyone who is, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)

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