Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced brother of King Charles, is getting into a brand new part of royal exile after being compelled to relinquish his decades-long lease on Royal Lodge in Windsor. Although he’s anticipated to maneuver to a smaller Sandringham cottage within the new 12 months, royal sources say the transition is unlikely to occur earlier than February. As work continues on the Norfolk property and Andrew navigates the sensible problem of transferring twenty years of belongings out of a 30-room residence, each timing and political sensitivity look like influencing the gradual relocation.
A transfer Andrew is in no rush to make
Royal creator Robert Jobson says Andrew has made it clear to each the King and palace aides that he’s not making ready to depart shortly. “Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appears to be kicking his heels,” he instructed HELLO!. “Regardless of formal discover being served in October, he gained’t budge till February on the earliest. He’s more likely to spend Christmas at Royal Lodge whereas the King hosts the remainder of the household at Sandringham.”
In accordance with Jobson, Andrew is “leaning on each technical step accessible” to delay the inevitable—a technique that enables him to postpone what he views as a step down.
20 years of life to pack right into a cottage
The delay is partly logistical. Royal Lodge has been Andrew’s dwelling for greater than 20 years, and palace insiders say downsizing from 30 rooms right into a modest cottage requires in depth preparation.
Sources additionally verify that Andrew’s Sandringham property shouldn’t be but prepared, complicating the transfer additional. The Palace acknowledges the sensible problem—although not essentially with sympathy.
Lease give up, inspections, and expensive repairs
Andrew surrendered the lease on 30 October, triggering the minimal 12-month discover interval. In principle, he might stay at Royal Lodge till October 2026, however the Palace hopes to keep away from extended public backlash by guaranteeing the transfer occurs in early 2026.
An end-of-tenancy inspection carried out on 12 November revealed that the Crown Property is unlikely to owe Andrew any compensation for leaving early. Injury and deterioration—together with damp, peeling paint, and crumbling brickwork—had been deemed in line with a long-term tenancy and substantial sufficient to negate a payout.
A full and detailed dilapidation evaluation shall be accomplished as soon as Andrew vacates the property.
A delay that fits the King
A later transfer advantages King Charles as properly. The monarch is making ready 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 keep away from uncomfortable encounters.
His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are nonetheless anticipated to hitch the vacation celebrations, together with the normal St Mary Magdalene church service and household lunch.
