Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles, has vacated his long-time Windsor residence following renewed scrutiny over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after the release of new U.S. Justice Department files that have revived controversy surrounding Andrew’s relationship with Epstein and intensified pressure on the British royal family.
A royal source confirmed on Wednesday that Andrew is no longer living at Royal Lodge, his home for decades.
Departure from Royal Lodge
According to the Sun newspaper, the 65-year-old former prince had hoped to remain at Royal Lodge for longer but was moved out earlier this week. The paper reported that Andrew left the property under the cover of darkness on Monday and was driven to a cottage on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, which belongs to King Charles.
A royal source confirmed that Andrew is now residing at Sandringham, though he may return occasionally to Windsor in the coming weeks as a transitional period is completed.
A friend quoted by the Sun said the decision followed the latest disclosures related to Epstein, making it clear that Andrew’s continued presence at Royal Lodge was no longer tenable. The source described the departure as deeply humiliating for him, prompting the discreet nighttime move.
King Charles’ Response
King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles in October and had previously indicated that his brother would be moved from Royal Lodge after details emerged of his ongoing association with Epstein. The king has also publicly stated that his sympathies lie with the victims of abuse.
The relocation appears to be part of a broader effort by the monarch to distance the institution from further reputational damage.
New Epstein Files Renew Scrutiny
The latest controversy was triggered by the release of new files by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday. These documents included emails suggesting that Andrew remained in regular contact with Epstein for more than two years after Epstein was convicted of child sex offences.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has also previously denied maintaining contact with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction, except for a visit to New York in 2010, which he said was intended to formally end their relationship.
Ongoing Fallout
The renewed allegations have once again placed Andrew under intense public and media scrutiny, reinforcing the difficulties facing the royal family as it seeks to manage the long-running fallout from the Epstein scandal.
Analysis
Andrew’s quiet removal from Royal Lodge signals a decisive shift in how the monarchy is handling the reputational risk associated with his past. While the move does not imply legal culpability, it reflects a growing intolerance for ambiguity when it comes to associations with figures like Epstein. The fact that the relocation followed the release of new documents suggests that public perception, rather than new legal developments, is driving royal decision-making.
For King Charles, this appears to be less about family loyalty and more about institutional survival. The monarchy’s response indicates an effort to draw firmer boundaries and demonstrate accountability, even if only symbolically. Yet the episode also underscores how unresolved questions surrounding Andrew’s relationship with Epstein continue to resurface, making it difficult for the royal family to fully close this chapter.
With information from Reuters.
