Former Prince Andrew may be heading for a major relocation, and possibly not just within the United Kingdom. According to royal commentators, the disgraced ex-prince could receive a substantial financial incentive to move, as the palace works to quietly usher him away from his longtime residence and potentially out of the public spotlight altogether.
Ex-Prince Andrew not be relocating to smaller house and will have staff — expert
With Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor preparing to leave the Royal Lodge, speculation about his next steps is growing. Although reports describe his upcoming Sandringham residence as “more modest,” royal historian Andrew Lownie has suggested the downgrade may not be nearly as dramatic as it sounds.
In a conversation with The Mirror, Lownie claimed Andrew is unlikely to face the everyday realities most people associate with downsizing. “He’s not going to a two-up, two down,” Lownie said, adding that he expects Andrew will continue to have staff. He further alleged that the former duke is “going to be paid quite a lot of money to move.”
Lownie also suggested that Andrew’s stay in Norfolk may be temporary. According to the biographer, there is a possibility that the ex-prince could eventually leave Britain altogether. Lownie pointed to Andrew’s longstanding ties in the Middle East, including connections formed during his time as the U.K.’s trade envoy, and claimed the region could offer a more comfortable and discreet life away from public scrutiny.
Meanwhile, Andrew’s transition out of the Royal Lodge appears to be taking an emotional toll. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously told the outlet that Andrew is struggling with a sense of humiliation and frustration as he prepares to leave the estate after more than 20 years. Though stripped of his royal titles and largely removed from public life, he was photographed earlier this week riding a horse on the Windsor estate.
Bond believes Andrew will likely expect a staffed household at Sandringham, citing his limited experience with domestic responsibilities. She also noted concerns from insiders who say Andrew has become increasingly isolated and withdrawn. With the move looming and his public role diminished, some close to him fear he may retreat further from view.
