Prince Andrew’s Move to Norfolk Delayed: Royal Exile Expected No Earlier Than February
After surrendering the lease on Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is preparing to relocate to Sandringham—but logistical setbacks and property repairs are pushing his move into February.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced brother of King Charles, is entering a new phase of royal exile after being forced to relinquish his decades-long lease on Royal Lodge in Windsor. Though he is expected to move to a smaller Sandringham cottage in the new year, royal sources say the transition is unlikely to happen before February. As work continues on the Norfolk property and Andrew navigates the practical challenge of moving twenty years of belongings out of a 30-room residence, both timing and political sensitivity appear to be influencing the slow relocation.
A move Andrew is in no rush to make
Royal author Robert Jobson says Andrew has made it clear to both the King and palace aides that he is not preparing to leave quickly. “Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor seems to be kicking his heels,” he told HELLO!. “Despite formal notice being served in October, he won’t budge until February at the earliest. He is likely to spend Christmas at Royal Lodge while the King hosts the rest of the family at Sandringham.”
According to Jobson, Andrew is “leaning on every technical step available” to delay the inevitable—a strategy that allows him to postpone what he views as a step down.
Two decades of life to pack into a cottage
The delay is partly logistical. Royal Lodge has been Andrew’s home for more than 20 years, and palace insiders say downsizing from 30 rooms into a modest cottage requires extensive preparation.
Sources also confirm that Andrew’s Sandringham property is not yet ready, complicating the move further. The Palace acknowledges the practical difficulty—though not necessarily with sympathy.
Lease surrender, inspections, and costly repairs
Andrew surrendered the lease on 30 October, triggering the minimum 12-month notice period. In theory, he could remain at Royal Lodge until October 2026, but the Palace hopes to avoid prolonged public backlash by ensuring the move happens in early 2026.
An end-of-tenancy inspection carried out on 12 November revealed that the Crown Estate is unlikely to owe Andrew any compensation for leaving early. Damage and deterioration—including damp, peeling paint, and crumbling brickwork—were deemed consistent with a long-term tenancy and substantial enough to negate a payout.
A full and detailed dilapidation assessment will be completed once Andrew vacates the property.
A delay that suits the King
A later move benefits King Charles as well. The monarch is preparing to host the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence at Sandringham for Christmas. Andrew’s remaining in Windsor helps avoid uncomfortable encounters.
His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are still expected to join the holiday celebrations, including the traditional St Mary Magdalene church service and family lunch.
