Britain’s ex-prince Andrew moves to Sandringham amid Epstein fallout

Britain’s former Prince Andrew is settling into a remote country estate after leaving his Windsor mansion amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The 65-year-old, who has denied any wrongdoing, left the home he shared with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson earlier than planned, reportedly under cover of darkness Monday. The move came after new U.S. Justice Department documents fueled public concern about his links to Epstein.

“The sight of him plastered on the front pages out riding his horse or driving in his car... amid the continued dripping poison of the Epstein files was just too much,” a royal source told the Daily Mail. “He had to be removed from the public eye.”

Andrew is now residing at Wood Farm, the former home of his late father Prince Philip, on King Charles III’s private Sandringham estate, about 150 miles north of Windsor. He may occasionally return to Windsor as the relocation continues.

The move follows allegations in DOJ documents that Epstein sent a young woman to the U.K. in 2010 to have sex with Andrew at the Royal Lodge. Another letter claimed a $250,000 payment to a client who alleged Andrew and Epstein pressured her into sex in 2006, including acts with underage girls. Thames Valley Police said any new information would be assessed under established procedures.

Earlier, Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles and ordered him to leave the Royal Lodge. Ferguson was also stripped of her title. Andrew had previously denied meeting Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, despite a photograph showing him with his arm around her midriff. A newly released 2015 email from Ghislaine Maxwell appeared to corroborate the encounter.

Andrew is expected to remain at Wood Farm until renovations are completed at Marsh Farm, his planned permanent residence on the Sandringham estate.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Andrew should testify before the U.S. Congress. His younger brother Prince Edward said it is “really important, always, to remember the victims.”

Royal expert Ed Owens told AFP that King Charles should take a firmer stance. “At the time when popular support for the monarchy is in question and has very much been in decline in the last 5 years, taking a moral stance will do his reign and the monarchy a real favour,” he said.