P
rince Andrew, stripped of his royal titles, is reportedly demanding a new residence and extensive staff after the family’s move‑out of Royal Lodge. According to Fox News and The Mirror, the former Duke of York and his ex‑wife, Sarah Ferguson, are leaving the Windsor estate by the end of January. Andrew is said to be at odds with King Charles, who has long wanted him to vacate the lodge to avoid the negative optics of a disgraced brother living in a royal home.
Andrew claims he has fulfilled all obligations at Royal Lodge and feels he is being treated unfairly. He is reportedly seeking a six‑ or seven‑bedroom house on the Sandringham estate, along with a full household staff—cook, housekeeper, gardener, driver, and police protection. Reports suggest he is demanding a settlement of roughly £75 million to cover the loss of his 75‑year lease, which he was forced to surrender amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The move‑out date is set for 31 January, with Sarah Ferguson reportedly searching for a new home near Windsor to stay close to her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Beatrice splits her time between a private apartment at St. James and a farmhouse in the Cotswolds, while Eugenie alternates between Kensington Palace and Portugal. Ferguson has not indicated any special requests for property or staff.
Andrew’s departure follows a long‑standing dispute with the king. While the palace has stated that Andrew’s titles were removed due to “continued accusations” that distract from the royal family’s work, the former duke insists he is entitled to the same privileges he enjoyed before. He sees himself as a victim of a system that has tried to strip him of his status, and he is determined to secure a suitable replacement home and staff.
Royal experts note that Andrew’s demands are audacious, especially given public backlash over his conduct. They argue that his insistence on a large settlement and extensive household staff reflects an entitlement that undermines the monarchy’s image. Prince William has reportedly expressed frustration that Andrew’s presence at Royal Lodge could tarnish the future king’s reign, and he is eager to resolve the matter swiftly.
Andrew’s lease at Royal Lodge was originally for 75 years, but the palace could not force him out, so he agreed to leave voluntarily. Despite denying any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and not being charged, the scandal has forced a reevaluation of his role. He remains in the line of succession, but his future as a working royal is uncertain.
The palace has declined to comment on Andrew’s situation, citing his status as a former working royal. However, commentators suggest that Andrew’s insistence on compensation—whether monetary or in the form of a new home and staff—reflects his belief that he still holds a position of privilege. They warn that his continued public battle for relevance could further damage the monarchy’s reputation.
In summary, Prince Andrew is negotiating a new home on the Sandringham estate, demanding a large settlement and full household staff, while the royal family seeks to remove him from Royal Lodge to preserve the monarchy’s image. Sarah Ferguson is moving to a nearby residence to remain close to her daughters, and the dispute continues to attract media attention and public scrutiny.