Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has made an unexpected early departure from his long-time residence near Windsor Castle. Following the latest release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in the U.S., questions surrounding his association with the convicted sex offender have resurfaced.
Andrew, the 65-year-old brother of King Charles III, has relocated from the Royal Lodge in Windsor to the Sandringham estate in eastern England. Reports indicate that he will temporarily reside at Wood Farm Cottage while his main residence undergoes repairs.
The move to Sandringham was initially announced in October when Andrew was stripped of his royal titles due to ongoing revelations concerning his connections to Epstein. Contrary to expectations, he has left Royal Lodge, where he resided for over two decades, ahead of schedule.
Thames Valley Police have also disclosed an investigation into allegations that Epstein transported a second woman to Britain for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities with Andrew. According to a lawyer representing the accuser, the incident purportedly occurred in 2010 at Royal Lodge.
These allegations are distinct from those made by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was brought to Britain to have sexual relations with Andrew in 2001 when she was 17 years old. Sadly, Giuffre passed away last year.
Despite facing numerous accusations, Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any misconduct in his dealings with Epstein and has not publicly addressed the recent trafficking claim.
Documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed multiple instances of correspondence between Epstein and an individual believed to be Mountbatten-Windsor. In one exchange, Epstein offered to set up a meeting between the man and a 26-year-old Russian woman. Subsequently, the man, identified as “A,” proposed meeting Epstein in London for dinner, either at a restaurant or Buckingham Palace.
The situation surrounding Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge has been a source of tension between him and his brother, King Charles III. Upon Charles ascending to the throne in 2022, efforts were made to relocate Andrew to a smaller house on the Windsor Castle estate. However, Andrew, citing a lease that extends until 2078, resisted the move.
In light of mounting scrutiny over the favorable terms of Andrew’s lease on the extensive property managed by the Crown Estate, pressure for him to vacate increased. The Crown Estate oversees properties across the nation that, although owned by the monarchy, are administered for the benefit of British taxpayers.
Conversely, the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk serves as the personal possession of the king.