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Prince Andrew appears to be fighting a losing battle to remain at the Royal Lodge in Windsor where he currently lives. King Charles is pushing for Andrew to downsize and move to a more modest property to cut costs. But where could the disgraced Duke of York go? One potential option that has been floated is Wood Farm, a farmhouse on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
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Wood Farm would provide Andrew with a sense of isolation away from public scrutiny. Many members of the royal family have previously found refuge at rural properties on the Sandringham estate when seeking privacy. The farmhouse itself is located several miles from the main Sandringham House down a private road behind St Peter's Church. It is surrounded by open fields growing vegetables and is just a short walk to the coast.
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The farmhouse was previously home to Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth in their later years. They lived a remarkably simple life there, with the Queen even doing the washing up after shooting lunches. It provided the couple an escape from royal duties and entertaining guests at the big house. Prince Philip in particular spent much of his retirement at Wood Farm.
Earlier, the farmhouse was also home to Prince John, the youngest child of King George V. Due to his epileptic condition, John lived apart from his family with just his nurse. He was known as "The Lost Prince" and tragically died at Wood Farm in 1919 at the young age of 13.
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While Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate could offer Andrew the seclusion he desires, he has so far stubbornly refused ideas of downsizing from the Royal Lodge. The Lodge was given to Andrew on a 75-year lease by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2003. However, younger brother King Charles is pushing for Andrew to vacate the property to cut costs. Charles has already removed Andrew's security detail in a move to pressure him to leave.
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Reports indicate Charles already has his eye on a new resident for the Royal Lodge once Andrew departs - Prince Edward. While the younger brothers have sometimes had a difficult relationship, Charles has been greatly impressed by how Edward and his wife Sophie have stepped up their royal duties during times of crisis for the Windsors this year. With both Charles and the Princess of Wales undergoing cancer treatment, the Earl and Countess of Wessex filled in at numerous engagements.
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Charles is said to be considering awarding Royal Lodge to Edward in recognition of their increased workload. It would mark quite the promotion for the Queen's youngest son and his family. However, it remains to be seen if Andrew can be persuaded to relinquish his lease on the property without a fight. In the meantime, isolated Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate looks to be Andrew's most likely future residence if he is forced to leave Royal Lodge against his will. The farmhouse would offer the disgraced Duke privacy and seclusion from public view in his exile from royal life.
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