Andrew Leaves Royal Lodge Earlier Than Planned Amid Renewed Epstein Scrutiny

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has moved out of Royal Lodge in Windsor and relocated to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk earlier than originally expected, according to royal sources.

He left the property on Monday evening and is now staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate while longer-term accommodation on the estate is prepared. Previous indications had suggested the move would take place later in the year, but renewed attention surrounding recently released Epstein-related records appears to have accelerated the timeline.

Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as the Duke of York, has faced sustained pressure over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Calls have intensified in recent weeks for him to provide evidence to US authorities regarding his relationship with the financier.

The decision to leave Royal Lodge follows an earlier announcement that he would step back from the property, which he had leased for many years. His continued residence there had become a point of public and political debate, raising broader questions about accountability and privilege within the royal household.

The Sandringham Estate is privately owned by the King, who is expected to cover the costs associated with his brother’s new accommodation. It is understood that Mountbatten-Windsor is likely to settle at another residence on the estate once renovation work is completed.

Those close to the Royal Family say the relocation is intended to reduce his public profile while still recognising his place within the family. They describe the move as a practical step aimed at drawing a line under a prolonged period of controversy.

Financial arrangements surrounding Royal Lodge have also attracted scrutiny. Records show that when Mountbatten-Windsor took on the long lease in the early 2000s, he paid a substantial sum to cover refurbishment and future rental obligations. However, assessments of the property’s current condition suggest significant repair work is still required.

Despite stepping away from Royal Lodge, Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to return periodically to collect personal belongings. Recent public appearances near the Windsor estate drew mixed reactions, with some observers suggesting they risked undermining efforts to keep him out of the spotlight.

Allegations linked to Epstein continue to follow him. Police in the Thames Valley region have previously said they were assessing information relating to claims that a woman was brought to the UK by Epstein and met Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge in 2010. He has not responded publicly to those specific allegations and has strongly denied any form of misconduct in the past.

One of the most high-profile civil cases involving him was brought in the United States by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she had been trafficked by Epstein and forced into encounters with him when she was underage. The case was settled out of court in 2022 without an admission of liability. Giuffre died last year.

Newly released material connected to Epstein has led to renewed public discussion of individuals within his network. Among the documents are reported communications and images that have drawn fresh scrutiny toward Mountbatten-Windsor’s past interactions with Epstein.

Political leaders have also weighed in, saying that anyone with relevant knowledge should be prepared to cooperate with legitimate inquiries. Sources close to the Palace have indicated that any decision to provide testimony rests with Mountbatten-Windsor himself.