Prince Andrew Seeks New Windsor Residence Amid Epstein Fallout
Reports indicate that Prince Andrew has requested alternative residences, contingent on his departure from Royal Lodge, a move prompted by the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Jeffrey Epstein.
It was initially revealed by The Sun that Andrew, aged 65, and his former spouse Sarah Ferguson are considering two distinct properties within the Windsor estate, which were formerly inhabited by other royals.
Andrew has consented to leave Royal Lodge and relocate to Frogmore Cottage, a property previously resided in by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Meanwhile, Ferguson, 66, is said to be anticipating a move into Adelaide Cottage once Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton depart.
“The Palace's reaction to these developments remains uncertain at present,” a confidant of Andrew and Ferguson conveyed to The Sun. “While Andy is prepared to relocate, these are the conditions he has set forth.”
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The same acquaintance further remarked on the “astonishing” nature of Andrew and Ferguson's decision to pursue separate residences. Despite their divorce in 1996 after a decade of marriage, they had continued sharing Royal Lodge.
Us Weekly has contacted Buckingham Palace seeking official commentary.
The Duke of York's housing situation has recently garnered media attention following the emergence of additional information concerning his historical ties to the deceased billionaire and convicted sex offender, Epstein.
On Friday, October 24, various news sources indicated that Andrew was engaged in discussions about vacating Royal Lodge. (Andrew possessed a long-term lease for the estate, permitting his residency until 2078.)
“Andrew will be relocating,” a source informed royal commentator Tom Sykes, as reported in his The Royalist Substack. “The question is not whether, but when.”
The association between Andrew and Epstein became public in 2019, at which point he was accused by the late Virginia Giuffre of sexual contact in 2001, when she was a minor. Andrew has consistently and strongly refuted these allegations.
Giuffre initiated a lawsuit against Andrew for sexual abuse in 2021, culminating in an out-of-court settlement in the subsequent year. Tragically, she passed away by suicide at 41 years old in April.
Previously this month, additional claims regarding Andrew and Epstein surfaced in Giuffre’s memoir, Nobody’s Girl, which was published after her death.
“Over the years, I have extensively reflected on his conduct,” she partially penned about Andrew. “He presented as amiable, yet retained an air of entitlement — as though engaging in sexual activity with me was an inherent privilege.”
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Just prior to the memoir's publication, Andrew declared his intention to relinquish his royal distinctions.
“Following discussions with The King and my extended family, we have determined that the persistent allegations against me impede the duties of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew communicated in a statement to Us Weekly on October 17. “I have chosen, as has always been my principle, to prioritize my obligations to my family and nation. I reaffirm my choice made five years ago to withdraw from public engagements.”
He further stated, “With the King's consent, we believe it is necessary for me to take an additional measure. Consequently, I will cease using my title and the honors bestowed upon me. As I have stated before, I emphatically dispute the accusations leveled against me.”
