Sophie and Edward stayed at holiday rental after Duke of Edinburgh's 'quiet word' with Andrew

Dorothy Reddin
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:15:41 +0000

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were reported to have booked accommodation at a holiday rental property during their Easter visit to Sandringham after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor declined to vacate Wood Farm.

Prince Edward, 62, and Sophie, 61, were thought to be intending to stay at the five-bedroom farmhouse situated roughly two miles from the main estate, as is their custom for royal gatherings.

Instead, the couple reportedly took up residence at Gardens House, a cottage that commands rates of up to £4,110 weekly during peak periods.

The property, once home to the estate's head gardener, sits approximately 300 yards from Sandringham House and sleeps up to eight guests.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has been residing at Wood Farm on the Norfolk estate temporarily following his departure from Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier this year.

His permanent Norfolk home, Marsh Farm in Wolferton, has been undergoing extensive renovation work.

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."

According to the same source, the arrangement requires resolution: "It's got to be sorted as Edward and Sophie like to use Wood Farm."

Prince Edward reportedly visited his elder brother recently for a "quiet word" to discuss the planned relocation to Marsh Farm, with concerns that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was "dragging his heels" over the move.

The Duke of Edinburgh was said to be the first family member to see Mr Mountbatten-Windsor following his arrest in February on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

The 66-year-old was stripped of his royal titles last October by King Charles III and instructed to leave the 30-room Georgian mansion where he had lived with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.

Workers were observed last month transporting Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's belongings, including artwork and books, to Marsh Farm.

The finishing touches are reportedly being applied to the cottage, with completion expected imminently.

Marsh Farm has been fitted with enhanced security measures, including a six-foot gate and fence providing double-layered protection around the property.

The tall double-doored gate was installed in front of an existing country-style swinging gate, meaning only the roof of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's new residence remains visible from the path outside.

It is understood Mr Mountbatten-Windsor will take up residence at Marsh Farm within the coming days as preparations reach their final stages.

The move to Norfolk came after intense public pressure over Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which ultimately led to his removal from Royal Lodge after more than two decades.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

GB News has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.