Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's reluctance to vacate Royal Lodge has resulted in him being unable to relocate to Sandringham ahead of this year's festive gathering.
Those within the King's circle regard this timing as rather "fortuitous", particularly as Andrew has not received an invitation to join the Christmas celebrations.
Should he eventually take up residence at Sandringham next year, the monarch may opt to shift the traditional royal Christmas gathering to Windsor Castle.
Such a move would echo the approach taken by Queen Victoria, who established the precedent of celebrating the festive season at the Berkshire residence.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's reluctance to vacate Royal Lodge has resulted in him being unable to relocate to Sandringham ahead of this year's festive gathering.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has formally submitted notice to vacate Royal Lodge, though the minimum required period of 12 months means he remains responsible for the Windsor property throughout the coming year.
Following months of resistance, the Duke appears disinclined to rush his departure.
Sources at Buckingham Palace maintain they anticipate Andrew will leave during the first three months of next year.
However, insiders suggest otherwise. "You're not going to see the removal vans outside Royal Lodge anytime soon," one source told The Times.
Those within the King's circle regard this timing as rather "fortuitous", particularly as Andrew has not received an invitation to join the Christmas celebrations.
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A lifetime's accumulation of luxury items and personal possessions must find a new home, including his well-documented collection of dozens of teddy bears.
Complicating matters further is the question of the late Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, currently residing at Royal Lodge.
When Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson finally separate their belongings — some three decades after their divorce — arrangements must be made for the dogs' future care.
Representatives acting on behalf of Andrew convened with the Crown Estate at Royal Lodge on November 12 to address the formal handover of the property.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has formally submitted notice to vacate Royal Lodge, though the minimum required period of 12 months means he remains responsible for the Windsor property throughout the coming year.
|GETTY
Sarah Ferguson is actively searching for a property of her own in the Windsor area, according to a source.
Friends say she is eager to establish a life separate from Andrew, with whom she has shared Royal Lodge since their divorce in 1996.
Despite ending their marriage, the pair have occupied different rooms within the same residence for decades.
A source told The Times that Ferguson's determination to remain in Britain, stating: "She wants to stay in the UK, ideally in the Windsor area, and she wants to have her own base so that she can live independently and continue to pursue many things as Sarah Ferguson."
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