Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was recently seen near his farmhouse in Sandringham amid reports that Prince Edward and Sophie were forced to use alternative accommodations because he declined to vacate the property.
Andrew has been residing at Wood Farm, a temporary arrangement until his move to Marsh Farm, after departing Royal Lodge in February due to his controversial connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender.
Originally, Edward and Sophie intended to spend their Easter holiday at Wood Farm. However, they had to opt for a different location within the Sandringham Estate, staying in a cottage instead.
The couple, who frequently reserve Wood Farm for their yearly retreat, ended up at Gardens House this year because Andrew was reportedly unwilling to leave the Norfolk hideaway.
This afternoon, Andrew was spotted driving his Range Rover back to Wood Farm, a property that can cost up to £4,110 per week during peak season.
With a somber look, the former Duke of York navigated a rural path in his vehicle, wearing a light-colored shirt paired with a navy jumper.
His brother Edward, 62, who is four years younger than Andrew, became the first royal to pay a visit to his sibling since he began his exile in Norfolk two months ago.
The Duke reportedly had a ‘quiet word’ with Andrew, who is understood to be dragging his heels at his temporary accommodation.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor driving to Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate this afternoon
The disgraced royal looks solemn as he makes his way down a country track today
Andrew wearing a pale shirt and navy jumper during his drive to Wood Farm today
A source told The Sun: ‘Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge at Windsor but now has two homes at his disposal.
‘He is just going back and forth between Wood Farm and Marsh Farm.
‘It’s got to be sorted as Edward and Sophie like to use Wood Farm.’
Gardens House was once home to the estate’s head gardener. The eight-bedroom home is 300 yards from the main Sandringham House, which is open to visitors at this time of year.
On Thursday, Andrew got two other visitors in the form of members of the public trying to climb his fence.
Security concerns were sparked when a red car pulled up outside Andrew’s new permanent home at Marsh Farm on Thursday.
Two people got out and proceeded to scale the exterior gate before attempting to peer over a newly erected 6ft fence in front of the farmhouse.
Pictures showed a man and a girl standing on top of the gate while trying to catch a glimpse inside the property, which is undergoing renovation works ahead of Andrew’s move in the coming weeks.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had planned to use Wood Farm for their annual Easter break
Edward and Sophie were forced to stay in The Gardens House in Sandringham over the Easter Holidays
The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and other members of the royal family to attend the Easter Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, yesterday
King Charles waves as he arrives with members of his family at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor
Andrew is pictured walking his dogs on the Sandringham estate on Saturday
Queen Camilla receives flowers after attending the Easter Service at St George’s Chapel yesterday
But they didn’t stay for long as Andrew’s security was quick to react and defused the situation before the pair jumped back in their car and drove off.
Andrew appeared to spend that afternoon at his new house and was seen meeting up with the Sandringham estate manager, Edward Parsons.
Builders have been working flat out to get the property ready for Andrew, fitting luxury carpets, a Sky dish and a fast broadband connection.
Over the past weeks, hundreds of boxes of his belongings have been delivered to the new home, with his move now said to be ‘imminent’.
The disgraced ex-Duke, who has been accused of leaking secrets to Jeffrey Epstein, remained in Norfolk over Easter and did not attend the Royal Family’s traditional service at Windsor this year.
He has been keeping a low profile in Norfolk since his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on his 66th birthday on February 19.
The Daily Mail has contacted the palace and Andrew’s representatives for comment.
