Former Prince Andrew left Royal Lodge quietly, and a friend called it “humiliating”. The source said he moved “under the cover of darkness” to avoid being seen. This marks the start of Andrew’s long-impending exile. The former prince reportedly vacated the 31-room home late Monday.
Ex-Prince Andrew’s ‘humiliating’ exit happened under ‘cover of darkness,’ says source
According to The Sun‘s report dated February 3, 2026, Ex-Prince Andrew vacated Royal Lodge late Monday. The move came three months after he handed back his lease. He was driven to Sandringham to his temporary abode at a Norfolk estate.
As arranged earlier, Andrew will stay at Wood Farm Cottage, which was once Prince Philip’s retirement base, for the time being. Meanwhile, his future permanent residence, Marsh Farm, is being renovated. The report states he will move to Marsh Farm by early April.
A friend said, “He had planned to cling on at Royal Lodge a little longer”. The same source added, “It was made clear to him that it was time to go”, following recent developments.
The source described the move as humiliating. “Leaving was so humiliating for him that he chose to do it under the cover of darkness”. They added, “He didn’t want to have a big emotional goodbye”. The source also said, “The headlines were only getting worse”, which prompted the sudden move. A witness described the former prince’s wave in Windsor earlier on Monday by saying, “It was as if he was waving goodbye”.
The report framed the shift as a win for King Charles. He reportedly wanted Andrew to move out sooner, which was dubbed the “Siege of Royal Lodge” by royal insiders. Andrew had even rejected a move to Frogmore Cottage in 2023. For now, the former prince may return for his remaining belongings. The palace is “keeping an eye” on developments, the report said.
