The former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has departed his long-term residence at Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle earlier than anticipated. This accelerated move comes in the wake of newly released documents from the U.S. investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, which have reignited scrutiny over his association with the convicted sex offender.
Expedited Departure to Sandringham Estate
According to a source familiar with the situation, the 65-year-old brother of King Charles III left the crown-owned property on Monday. He has now relocated to the king's personal Sandringham estate in eastern England. British media outlets report that Mountbatten-Windsor will reside temporarily at Wood Farm Cottage while his permanent home on the estate undergoes necessary repairs.
This transition was originally announced in October when King Charles stripped his brother of royal titles amid ongoing revelations about his connections to Epstein. However, the former prince was expected to remain at Royal Lodge, his home for over two decades, until the spring season.
New Allegations Prompt Police Investigation
The timing of this expedited departure coincides with Thames Valley Police launching an investigation into allegations that Epstein facilitated the travel of a second woman to Britain for sexual encounters with Mountbatten-Windsor. A lawyer representing the alleged victim informed the BBC that this incident occurred in 2010 at Royal Lodge itself.
These claims are distinct from those made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to Britain in 2001 to have sex with Andrew when she was 17 years old. Giuffre tragically died by suicide last year. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding his relationship with Epstein and has not publicly addressed this latest trafficking allegation.
Documents Reveal Correspondence Details
Mountbatten-Windsor appears multiple times within the 3 million pages of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday. Correspondence between Epstein and an individual believed to be the former prince shows Epstein offering to arrange a date with a 26-year-old Russian woman. The man, signing off simply as "A," later suggests dining together in London, either at a restaurant or Buckingham Palace.
Longstanding Tension Over Royal Lodge
The former prince's occupancy of Royal Lodge has been a persistent point of contention between the king and his brother. Following Charles's ascension to the throne in 2022, he attempted to compel his brother to move into a smaller residence on the Windsor Castle estate. Mountbatten-Windsor resisted, citing a lease on the property valid through 2078.
However, mounting pressure from lawmakers and public scrutiny over the favorable terms of his lease on the 30-room house and surrounding estate made his position untenable by October. The Crown Estate, which manages properties technically owned by the monarchy for the benefit of British taxpayers, oversees this land. In contrast, the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk remains the personal property of the king, offering a more private retreat amid ongoing controversies.
