Prince Andrew is preparing to move from Royal Lodge to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, but a royal expert says the shift is being overstated.
The relocation follows pressure from King Charles III amid ongoing fallout from Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. Still, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says the move is far from a banishment.
Speaking to The Mirror, Bond pushed back on claims that Marsh Farm is a “shoebox-sized” downgrade. She described it as a pleasant old farmhouse with its own grounds. While it may need work, she expects any renovations to be handled at the King’s expense.
Bond also noted that Sandringham is familiar territory for Andrew. He spent many childhood days on the estate and holidayed there as an adult, sometimes alongside Princess Diana. He is believed to have friends in the area, which, she said, makes the move less isolating than headlines suggest.
The property is reportedly being refurbished ahead of his arrival, and Bond added that Marsh Farm does not have to be a permanent stop. Andrew still has wealthy contacts abroad and at least one offer of an expansive home in the Middle East if he chooses to leave.
In recent years, Bond said, Andrew has adjusted to a quieter life. He remains close to his daughters and grandchildren, and his living costs are covered by his brother. “It’s a lot more than many people,” she added, suggesting he has little cause for complaint.
