Andrew’s Eviction from Royal Lodge May Be Delayed — but the Royal Family Likely Won’t Mind

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Kirsty Wigglesworth - WPA Pool)

Dec. 01 2025, Published 05:57 AM. ET

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor saw his position in the royal family collapse after renewed scrutiny over his scandalous ties to Jeffrey Epstein. In the wake of the backlash, he surrendered all his royal titles, styles, and honors, including his lavish home of 20 years. Although King Charles has reportedly instructed him to vacate Royal Lodge by January 2026, sources say the former Prince is struggling to give up his long-held privileges. His eviction is now expected to be delayed until February, as Mountbatten-Windsor is not keen to 'downsize' and move to his new cottage on Sandringham Estate.

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on day 3 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

While the Palace has not announced an official date for Mountbatten-Windsor's relocation, many believed he would not remain at Royal Lodge through Christmas. Explaining the reason behind the delay, an insider told The Sun, "He [Mountbatten-Windsor] has a large house where he has lived for a long time, and he will be moving into a more modest house, so, logically, it won't happen this side of Christmas." They added that moving out of such a grand estate will take time, and it remains unclear when his new home will be ready. The delay likely won't have the royals too upset, as it would help avoid an awkward run-in at Sandringham, the family's annual holiday retreat, especially since Mountbatten-Windsor is not invited to the Christmas feast this year.

King Charles and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor join the royal family for the Christmas Day church service. (Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

Although Mountbatten-Windsor is allegedly trying his best to delay his move, royal expert Tom Sykes stressed that he would not be able to do so for long. On The Royalist Substack, he claimed a courtier told him, "He [Mountbatten-Windsor] is moving. It's just a matter of getting the choreography right now." To avoid further backlash, Charles reportedly decided against moving his brother to another taxpayer-funded residence. Instead, Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to be banished to one of the late Prince Philip's modest homes on the Sandringham Estate.

The news of Mountbatten-Windsor's delayed eviction comes as Charles made a big decision for his brother ahead of Christmas. According to The Mirror, a source revealed that the King's residence is full of senior royals, and the traditional Christmas morning walk to the Church is a closely watched affair. Commenting on Mountbatten-Windsor, they added, "He won't be anywhere near the Big House [the nickname given to the monarch's home at Sandringham]." Hosting him at Sandringham would only stir tensions at a time when the family is trying to put the scandals behind.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York attends the QIPCO King George Weekend at Ascot Racecourse on July 27, 2019, in Ascot, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends the QIPCO King George Weekend at Ascot Racecourse. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

Meanwhile, royal expert Jennie Bond has also alleged that Mountbatten-Windsor is reluctant to lower his standards. She told The Mirror, "I'm sure he's feeling humiliated and, by all accounts, angry…But the reality is he now has just a few weeks left before he has to leave Royal Lodge, which has been his home for more than 20 years." She added, "I don't think Andrew is the sort of person who will ever feel humble…I think he will expect to have staff in his new home, as I don't imagine he has the first idea about how to cook, clean, or shop."