Former Prince Andrew Leaves Windsor as More Epstein Files Get Released
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has officially moved out of Royal Lodge in Windsor and is now living at Sandringham.
The former prince left Windsor late on Monday and is currently staying at Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham Estate, which is privately owned by King Charles. The relocation was originally expected to happen later in 2026, but fresh developments linked to his connections to Jeffrey Epstein appear to have pushed the timeline forward.
The Palace confirmed back in October that Mountbatten-Windsor would be leaving Royal Lodge around the same time that he lost his remaining royal titles. His long-running lease on the 30-room property had become a lightning rod for criticism, raising uncomfortable questions about privilege, public money, and accountability. While the lease once carried the possibility of compensation if it ended early, official reports now suggest that the scale of repairs that the property needs means he is unlikely to receive anything.
New Epstein files information puts further pressure on Mountbatten-Windsor to testify in US
Royal sources say that the decision to move up the timeline followed the release of new US Justice Department files connected to Epstein, which have again drawn attention to Mountbatten-Windsor’s relationship with the disgraced financier. These include emails suggesting ongoing contact between Epstein and Mountbatten-Windsor after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, something Andrew has previously denied.
Allegations have also resurfaced involving an Epstein survivor who claims a sexual encounter took place at Royal Lodge in 2010, which Mountbatten-Windsor has not commented on. Pressure has been growing for him to give evidence in the US, which he has so far not agreed to do. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Political pressure is also mounting. Speaking last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:
"In terms of testifying I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that. You can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that."
Privately, Palace sources have indicated that whether Mountbatten-Windsor cooperates further is now down to him. As one put it, "Providing testimony is now a matter for Andrew and his conscience."
Will Andrew be back at Windsor?
Although his base is now in Norfolk, Andrew is expected to return briefly to Windsor in the coming weeks to collect the rest of his belongings. He was last seen there on Monday, riding on horseback near Royal Lodge and later driving away from Windsor Castle, images that reportedly went down badly inside the Palace.
Sandringham has long been used as a private retreat by the Royal Family, and Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to eventually move into a permanent home on the estate once renovations of the property in question are complete. The King is covering the housing costs, with sources stressing that while Andrew’s judgement has had consequences, there remains a sense of family responsibility behind the arrangement.
For the Royal Family, the hope is that relocating him to Sandringham will draw a line under a chapter that has repeatedly damaged the institution — even if the wider questions around Epstein are far from settled.
