What's happened
Prince Andrew, the brother of King Charles III, has left Royal Lodge in Windsor earlier than expected amid ongoing scandals linked to Jeffrey Epstein. He is now residing on the Sandringham estate, following revelations of his contacts with Epstein and related allegations. The move comes after his titles were revoked last year.
What's behind the headline?
The recent move of Prince Andrew to Sandringham underscores the ongoing fallout from his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The release of new US documents, including emails and photographs, confirms that Andrew maintained contact with Epstein well after his conviction, contradicting his previous denials. The decision to relocate Andrew to a private estate signals the monarchy’s attempt to contain the scandal and limit public exposure. The revelations about invitations to Buckingham Palace and discussions about women suggest a pattern of questionable judgment, which will likely fuel further scrutiny and legal investigations. This case exemplifies how elite networks operate behind closed doors, often shielding individuals from accountability. The fallout will likely deepen, with calls for Andrew to testify before US Congress intensifying, and the royal family’s reputation remaining under threat. The move to Sandringham may be temporary, but the scandal’s impact on the monarchy’s credibility will persist, potentially prompting reforms or increased transparency in royal affairs.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Andrew’s departure was accelerated by the release of Epstein-related documents, highlighting his continued contact with Epstein and the implications for his reputation. AP News details his move to Sandringham and the police investigation into trafficking allegations, emphasizing the legal and public pressure he faces. The Independent and The Guardian provide context on the royal family’s efforts to distance itself from Andrew, including the revocation of his titles and the significance of the property lease issues. Reuters and SBS highlight the political dimension, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for Andrew to testify before US Congress, and the release of emails and photographs that deepen the scandal. Overall, the coverage illustrates a complex interplay of legal, political, and royal dynamics, with significant implications for accountability and transparency.
How we got here
Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in October 2025 due to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The release of US Department of Justice files revealed emails and photos suggesting ongoing contact between Andrew and Epstein, including invitations to dine at Buckingham Palace and discussions about women. The move to Sandringham was seen as a response to mounting public and political pressure, and the property’s status as the king’s private estate distinguishes it from Royal Lodge, managed by the Crown Estate.
Go deeper
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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Virginia Louise Giuffre is an American advocate of justice for sex trafficking victims. She is one of the most prominent and outspoken survivors of the sex trafficking ring that was operated by convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The Royal Lodge is a Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, England, half a mile north of Cumberland Lodge and 3.2 miles south of Windsor Castle.