Former Prince Andrew moves into temporary home amid hoarding cleanup and Royal Lodge exit — sources confirm.
Ex-Prince’s Hoarding Habits Force Immediate Relocation to Temporary Cottage Amid Windsor Move
Prince Andrew has been moved into a smaller temporary home near Sandringham after concerns over his hoarding habits emerged, according to British media reports. As reported by UK outlets, the relocation comes ahead of the expiry of his Royal Lodge lease, marking another setback in the former royal’s post-title life.
Key Points
Prince Andrew relocated to a small temporary home due to hoarding complications and estate changes.
Royal Lodge lease ends next year; his move to Sandringham properties is underway.
No prosecution from Met Police in past smear probe; palace sources stress privacy.
Extensive items moved to Crown Estate storage amid clutter concerns.
Compensation for vacating Royal Lodge likely reduced due to repair costs.
LONDON (Star Struck Times) — British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, has begun relocating into a much smaller temporary “shoebox” style home on the Sandringham estate, sources confirm, after vacating his long-time residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor — a move accelerated by his hoarding disorder and ongoing public scrutiny tied to past scandals.
According to reports, the six-bedroom cottage now being prepared for the disgraced royal serves as interim accommodation while larger estate properties undergo renovation, with his lease at Royal Lodge set to end next year.
Mail on Sunday and Daily Beast outlets detail how many of Andrew’s personal items — documents, photographs and accumulated possessions — have been shifted under cover of night to a Crown Estate storage facility, reflecting palace concerns about clearing space and managing the hoard.
The relocation reflects deepening strain on the embattled former royal’s status, who was stripped of his Prince title and royal honours by King Charles III earlier this year after legal and reputational fallout linked to his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Residents and observers labelled the move a sharp fall from grace, with palace insiders emphasising that the temporary home’s modest size — derisively described as “shoebox” — underscores the contrast with the 30-room Royal Lodge estate he has called home for more than two decades.
“It’s a jarring drop,” said one royal commentator, noting that the relocation’s timing — before major Sandringham renovations are complete — shows limited options available for Andrew’s future housing.
Amid the upheaval, Met Police previously announced no prosecution will be pursued over his alleged attempts to instruct aides to dig up information on late accuser Virginia Giuffre, limiting further criminal exposure while reigniting debate over royal accountability.
The reaction has been sharp among critics and royals watchers: “For someone of his former rank, this is not a good look,” said a monarchy-focused commentator, reflecting broader sentiment that the former prince’s lifestyle and choices have severely dented his standing.
Buckingham Palace has declined detailed comment on Andrew’s temporary housing arrangements, citing privacy and data protection, but confirmed that his re-housing costs and transition provisions are privately funded by the royal family, not public purse.
Public discussion has grown online, with many pointing out that the move symbolises the end of royal privilege for Andrew, now known simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and underscores a broader narrative of accountability within the royal institution, especially after years of controversy and criticism.
Some sections of the British press pointed out that due to extensive needed repairs at Royal Lodge, the former prince is unlikely to receive significant compensation for vacating the property — a further financial sting after his demotion.
Fans and critics alike took to social platforms with mixed reactions: “This is what happens when you don’t manage your life well,” wrote one commenter, while another noted, “He deserved dignity but also responsibility.”
In context, Andrew’s new living situation is not only a personal blow, but a public marker of how reputational crises and internal royal decisions have reshaped his post-royal life.
As renovations continue on larger estate properties set for his eventual residence, royal watchers expect continued attention on how this unique downsizing unfolds into 2026 and beyond.
FAQs
Q: Why is Prince Andrew being moved now? A: Palace sources say his lease at Royal Lodge ends soon and estate management issues, including hoarding cleanup, accelerated his relocation.
Q: Is he being prosecuted? A: The Metropolitan Police confirmed no prosecution over past alleged smear attempts involving Virginia Giuffre.
Q: Will the new home be permanent? A: Reports say the current “shoebox” home is temporary while larger Sandringham estate renovations continue.
Q: Who pays for his housing now? A: The royal family privately funds his transition; no public funds are involved.
Q: How has the public reacted? A: Reaction is mixed, with some seeing the move as deserved accountability and others offering sympathy.
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