Andrew faces eviction from Royal Lodge ‘in weeks’ | UK | News

Work has begun to move Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor out of Royal Lodge ahead of his 66th birthday next month, as preparations for his move to the Sandringham estate accelerate.

The Sun reports that renovations are underway at Marsh Farm, a former farmhouse on the King’s Norfolk estate that has been converted into the disgraced royal’s new residence after surrendering the Windsor tenancy.

Six-foot wooden fencing has been erected around the property as builders begin work inside the previously disused farm buildings. Meanwhile, a royal insider has revealed the only requirement for Harry and Meghan to receive a royal invitation to return to the UK.

A digger was spotted on the front lawn as electricians made improvements to make the area habitable. The new doors are delivered ready for installation and provide additional security, including CCTV.

Andrew handed back his Royal Lodge lease in October after being stripped of his royal titles amid renewed controversy over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Temporary move planned before birthday

Palace staff say Andrew will initially move to a smaller Sandringham property, then move to Marsh Farm once renovations are completed around Easter.

The Sun understands the move could happen before the end of this month – before his birthday on February 19.

A source said: “Snow or rain has not delayed work at Marsh Farm but it still needs a lot of attention to make it liveable.
“But one thing is for sure: it is much, much smaller and less luxurious than the Royal Lodge.”

The farmhouse was allocated months ago

The Express previously revealed that Marsh Farm, located around three kilometers west of Sandringham House, has been identified as Andrew’s future home.

Last fall, the drone exclusion zone was expanded to include the area.

When the property was visited yesterday, at least six workers were seen working both inside and outside despite bad weather conditions.

While specialist contractors installed the security systems, two workers focused on erecting the timber perimeter fence with help from JCB. A security company’s vehicle was also parked outside the farmhouse.

Sources said the farmhouse, along with its outbuildings and barns, was previously occupied by a tenant farmer who died some time ago.

The site has been vacant for several years and requires extensive works, including electrical upgrades and upgrades to sewage systems. Renovations are expected to be completed by April.

Andrew and Sarah will live separately

Andrew continued to live at the Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, but sources say the arrangement is about to expire.

A friend said: “She’s finally decided she needs to move on so she’s moving out sooner than she thought and starting over towards the end of the month, or at least before her birthday in February.

“He and Sarah will go their separate ways for the first time in almost 20 years.

“They will live separate lives outside of being with the children and grandchildren.”

Despite his fall from public grace, Andrew was often seen riding horses around the Windsor estate during his stay at Royal Lodge.

Long-running dispute at Royal Lodge

Andrew paid £1 million for the Royal Lodge’s 75-year lease in 2003 and subsequently spent at least £7.5 million on renovations.

Sarah Ferguson had previously described herself as a “tenant” at the property. It was learned that the couple, who divorced in 1996, lived in separate parts of the mansion.

Calls for Andrew to leave intensified after Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of having sex with her in London, New York and the Caribbean when she was 17, and Andrew denied the allegations.

Last year it was reported that Andrew offered to move to Frogmore Cottage if Sarah moved to Adelaide Cottage, but the offer did not proceed.

The pressure mounted after it was revealed on BBC Newsnight in 2019 that she continued to email Epstein despite him saying he had stopped contact.

It was later revealed that he had not paid rent to the Crown Estate for the Royal Lodge.

Buckingham Palace confirmed in October that Andrew had returned his lease and would move to Sandringham with King Charles funding his new arrangements.

Sarah Ferguson’s plans are uncertain

At the time, the Palace said it was understood Sarah Ferguson had secured alternative accommodation.

However, it is believed that the woman is still looking for a new home. Insiders say suggestions such as moving to a “granny annex” near Princess Beatrice in the Cotswolds or moving to Portugal with Princess Eugenie have been ignored.

Sources close to the Duchess of York refused to confirm her future plans to The Sun.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment.