Prince Edward and Sophie have found their long-standing Easter tradition thrown into chaos after being forced out of their usual countryside retreat — all because Prince Andrew is refusing to vacate the property.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had planned to spend the break at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, a place they regularly use for their private holidays. But instead, they were left with no choice but to check into a nearby cottage — The Gardens House — after Andrew continued occupying the farmhouse.
The unexpected change has reportedly caused quiet frustration within royal circles, particularly as Andrew’s stay at Wood Farm was only ever meant to be temporary. The disgraced former royal has been using the property as a stopgap while awaiting his move into Marsh Farm, another residence on the estate.
However, insiders claim that move has been anything but swift.
A source revealed that Andrew has effectively been moving back and forth between the two properties, with little urgency to vacate Wood Farm. The situation has become increasingly awkward, especially as Edward and Sophie are known to rely on the farmhouse for their annual Easter getaway.
Despite the tension, Edward is said to have paid Andrew a visit — the first time any senior royal has seen him since his quiet exile to Norfolk began two months ago. During the meeting, it’s believed Edward had a discreet conversation with his brother about the situation, though no resolution appears to have been reached.
Meanwhile, Andrew has continued to keep a low profile on the estate following his dramatic fall from grace. He was forced out of Royal Lodge earlier this year and has since retreated to Norfolk amid ongoing controversy surrounding his past links to Jeffrey Epstein and a separate police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.
While he avoids official royal duties — including skipping the family’s traditional Easter service — Andrew has still been spotted around Sandringham, walking his dogs and overseeing preparations at his new home.
At Marsh Farm, builders have reportedly been working around the clock to prepare the property for his arrival, installing luxury fittings, broadband, and security upgrades. Moving vans have already delivered hundreds of boxes, suggesting his relocation could happen at any moment.
Yet for now, his reluctance to leave Wood Farm has had real consequences — pushing Edward and Sophie into alternative accommodation that can cost more than £4,000 per week during peak season.
The situation has also raised eyebrows beyond the royal family. Security concerns emerged recently when two members of the public attempted to scale the gates of Andrew’s new residence, prompting a swift response from his protection team.
Still, despite the growing pressure — both inside and outside royal circles — Andrew appears in no rush to move on.
And as the Easter weekend unfolded, one thing became clear: even in exile, the prince at the centre of scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the royal family.
