Andrew's Move to Sandringham Leaves The Locals Fuming: ‘Why Doesn't He Go to America?’
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has kept a low profile after Buckingham Palace announced that he has relinquished his remaining titles. The carefully worded statement, intended to quell public criticism, added that he would also be vacating Royal Lodge. While the Palace did not specify his next residence, reports soon confirmed that he would be relocating to a property on the Sandringham estate. Residents in the area are, unsurprisingly, not too pleased, voicing frustration over his controversial past.
The Telegraph spoke to various homeowners on the Sandringham estate, none of whom are happy to be living near Mountbatten Windsor. Sharing their thoughts, a local pointedly remarked, "It reminds one of why Sandringham was bought in the first place, and that was to keep Edward VII out of trouble," referring to the former King who lived in Sandringham House in 1870. They added, "It’s kind of the history of the monarchy repeating itself. But it’s not nice to be the receptacle of ne'er-do-wells from the royal family." Meanwhile, another resident, Lauren Mitchell, expressed her 'shock' upon learning of Mountbatten Windsor's move, noting that she 'hoped not to see him around,' anytime soon.
Locals pointed out that people are used to running into royals at local pubs, in the park, and at the beach. While they are too pleased to be bumping into Prince William or Kate Middleton, Mountbatten Windsor would do good to avoid the same. A neighbor, who wished to be anonymous, said, "I think if he [Mountbatten Windsor] had any real sense of propriety, he would maybe just keep himself to himself…But then, I don’t think he has any humility." Similarly, resident Jacqueline Hargreaves argued, "We don’t want him here. What would we want him here for? I don't know why he doesn't go to America; he quite likes it out there. Go and sit with Trump."
Mountbatten Windsor's angry neighbors also found an ally in the Member of Parliament for North Norfolk. Speaking about his upcoming move, MP Steff Aquarone told Newsweek, "I know that Andrew’s behavior — and the way he failed and embarrassed our King and the public — is a source of real sadness and anger here."
While the royal family is known to celebrate Christmas at Sandringham every year, Mountbatten Windsor, given his many scandals, will likely be excluded from the annual celebrations, despite his proximity. Sources s that his move to Sandringham could be delayed until next year.
As per PEOPLE, Mountbatten Windsor's 'cast iron' lease on Royal Lodge had complicated the process of his exit, as King Charles, by oath, had to uphold the laws of the country. Consequently, all parties were forced to negotiate for him to agree to formally surrender the lease. The former Prince, reportedly, only did so to remain close to his two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who live in London and the southeast of England.