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Andrew's new life in 'swamp home' battling pest issue after 'visit by royal henchman'
Reach Daily Express | April 9, 2026 8:40 PM CST

Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has finally settled into his new residence - two months after being ejected from Royal Lodge, where he had lived since 2003.

The shamed former Duke of York is now permanently ensconced at Marsh Farm - a five-bedroom property that underwent extensive renovation ahead of his arrival.

Andrew had been residing at Wood Farm following further damaging revelations surrounding his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He eventually made the move to his new Norfolk home after a visit from "henchman" Prince Edward.

Royal Henchman visit

According to reports, the Duke of Edinburgh had a "quiet word" with the late Queen's notorious son shortly before Easter.

Andrew was reportedly "dragging his heels" about relocating to Marsh Farm - prompting younger brother Prince Edward and his wife Sophie to opt for a "holiday let" rather than their original plan to stay at Wood Farm during their Easter visit to Sandringham.

A source told the Sun: "Andrew has been dragging his heels. He could have moved by now, but has been reluctant. Edward has had a quiet word with his brother."

Commenting on the situation on the Royal Exclusive podcast, royal reporter Bronte Coy said: "He has been sent in, as the henchman, which is quite an image, isn't it?"

She went on to add: "Who else would go but Edward? The King can't be seen. They are just giving him a wide berth at the moment. I don't think it helps anyone to be seen being particularly close with him."

Following the "royal henchman" furore, Andrew has finally settled into his new residence this week, and he will be hoping neither molehills nor mice are there to greet him.

Earlier this year, Command Pest Control was dispatched to Marsh Farm after numerous molehills were spotted across the front lawn.

The firm described the removal as "swift and humane", and it followed reports of staff allegedly contending with a mice problem at the property.

During this period, a 6ft fence was erected around the farm in the village of Wolferton, affording Andrew - who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February - greater privacy and security.

Swamp home

Despite Marsh Farm's proximity to a bog, Andrew will enjoy a degree of royal privilege at his new abode. And while it may not boast the 30 rooms of Royal Lodge, it does sit within 20,000 acres of the Sandringham Estate.

The Norfolk property stands on waterlogged land below sea level, with flooding a genuine concern given the North Sea lies just one mile away.

Following an underwhelmed Andrew's visit to the property, a source revealed: "It was the first time he's seen his new house and he is resigned to the fact that this is his future. He's come to the conclusion that he has to get on with the rest of his life and accepts he has to make the best of it."

A source told the Daily Mail that Andrew found it difficult to accept that the property contained only five bedrooms - making it his most modest home since vacating his Buckingham Palace apartment.

Despite the property lacking accommodation for live-in staff, King Charles has reportedly offered the "ad-hoc" use of personnel from Sandringham House. This means Andrew will be able to call upon cleaners, groundsmen and a cook whenever he sees fit.

No-fly zone

Given that some of the most uncomfortable chapters of his life have been laid bare in recent years, Andrew is understandably focused on his privacy, and prior to moving into Marsh Farm he ensured it would become a no-fly zone.

The no-fly zone, which previously covered Sandringham House, situated two miles west of Marsh Farm, has been extended to encompass Andrew's new residence, meaning drones will not be permitted to hover overhead.

Drones can be equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors, and Andrew can now rest assured that nothing airborne will be capturing images without his knowledge.

Five-star feature

Sky TV has already been installed for Andrew, but according to Hello!, workers for Linney Cooper, which holds a Royal Warrant, were spotted at Marsh Farm ahead of his arrival.

The family-run business supplies flooring for numerous royal residences, including Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Frogmore House, Balmoral and even the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Andrew will be well acquainted with their craftsmanship, given that the firm also laid carpets at his former Royal Lodge residence.

Next Level Flooring Solutions, meanwhile, which boasts a five-star reputation for laminate and hardwood, is also thought to be providing some of the flooring options. This came after one of their vans was spotted at Marsh Farm last month.

Smell

Earlier this year, Mirror reporter Julia Banim paid a visit to Marsh Farm to see Andrew's new residence for herself.

She said: "I visited the Sandringham Estate shortly after Andrew's shock move and was taken aback by this relatively humble abode. While a dream house to the vast majority of us, complete with outbuildings, this isn't the sort of property that stops you in your tracks. It's large, but not imposing, and certainly not the sort of residence you'd expect for a man born at Buckingham Palace."

She further noted that the garden had a "neglected, sleepy look" and that the "smell of wet mud took me aback".

And while she had little idea what to anticipate, given it was unprecedented for a former prince to be stripped of all his titles, she remarked that considering how fraught the situation is and the heightened public reaction, she did expect "more of a fortress".


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