The relocation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to the Sandringham Estate has sparked significant local debate, with residents expressing mixed feelings about the former prince's presence in their community. As Andrew settles into Wood Farm Cottage while awaiting renovations at his permanent Marsh Farm residence, some locals have voiced strong opposition to his arrival.
Local Reactions and Protest Sentiments
In the historic town of King's Lynn, situated near the royal estate, opinions vary widely regarding Andrew's move. One local, speaking at the Victorian train station, suggested that Andrew should "exile himself" to "put us all out of our misery." This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the ongoing allegations linking Andrew to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Chris Thompson, another resident, questioned the wisdom of the relocation, noting, "I don't think there'll be a lot there for him to do, really." The move comes amid confirmed police assessments of claims that Andrew leaked confidential information to Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy, adding to the controversy surrounding his presence.
Practical Challenges of the New Residence
Andrew's transition to Marsh Farm presents several practical difficulties. The property requires substantial renovations before he can move in around April, alongside a significant security overhaul. Reports indicate Andrew is "appalled" by the cottage's relatively modest size, featuring only five bedrooms, a stark contrast to his previous accommodations.
Further complicating matters, the residence is located on a flood plain, with locals advised to register for alerts due to potential water surges from neighbouring marshland. A 2025 flood risk assessment for nearby Wolferton Barns recommended adding the owner to the flood warning system, highlighting the environmental challenges of the area.
Business and Community Perspectives
Local business owners have also weighed in on the situation. Cole, proprietor of the House of Hair & Beauty on Tower Street, expressed a firm stance, stating, "I think someone like Andrew should be locked up, and justice should be served." This reflects broader unease within the community about how to handle Andrew's potential patronage of local establishments.
Despite these criticisms, some residents acknowledge the limitations of their influence. Shanna, shopping in King's Lynn's historic centre, remarked, "You can't stop it, can you? You just have to get on with it." The town's deep royal connections, from St. George's Guildhall to the Dukes Head Hotel, underscore the complex relationship between locals and the monarchy.
Royal Family Dynamics and Public Statements
The move appears to be part of King Charles III's strategy to remove Andrew from public view, with reports suggesting the King "accelerated" the relocation. A palace source explained, "The King feels that keeping his brother out of the public gaze and away from any kind of public expense is the right thing to do."
Buckingham Palace has acknowledged the King's "profound concern" over the allegations, while Kensington Palace issued a statement on behalf of the Prince and Princess of Wales, emphasising their focus on the victims. Prince Edward also recently highlighted the importance of remembering those affected by the scandal.
Broader Implications and National Sentiment
The situation has drawn attention beyond Sandringham, with King Charles facing heckling during a public visit in Lancashire, where a bystander questioned, "How long have you known about Andrew?" This incident underscores the national scrutiny surrounding the royal family's handling of the matter.
Taxi driver Tony expressed sympathy for the wider family, noting, "It's not the family's fault. The only thing they can do now is to send him to an island on his own and keep away from him." This perspective highlights a divide between criticism of Andrew and support for other senior royals.
As Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues to deny any wrongdoing, the Sandringham community remains divided, balancing local traditions with contemporary concerns about accountability and justice in the shadow of ongoing allegations.
