Prince Andrew’s new home is called ‘open prison’
Andrew Windsor will spend the rest of his days in what insiders have called a “hotel-style open prison” as he prepares for a final move to a downsized country home, marking a grim new chapter for the disgraced former royal family.
If RadarOnline.com has reported that the 66-year-old, once known as the Duke of York, spent around two decades at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate before his Jeffrey Epstein scandal saw him moved by King Charles earlier this year to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate as an interim measure while Marsh Farm underwent extensive renovations.
The move follows Andrew’s removal from royal duties and titles by Charles, 77, amid renewed investigation into his association with the late pedophile sex trafficker Epstein.
Andrew has denied all allegations against him.
In February he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid allegations he shared British secrets with Epstein, before later being released by police ‘under investigation’.
A palace aide has now shared new details about Andrew’s upcoming “retirement home.” suggesting that it reflects both limitation and silent exile.
They said: ‘Marsh Farm represents a kind of gilded confinement – perhaps the most comfortable version of an open prison imaginable in Britain.
‘Although it offers privacy and certain luxuries, the reality is that it feels like you are living in a small hotel.
“Andrew’s movements will be severely restricted, effectively confining him to the property. But in many ways he will be living a luxurious form of quiet exile that millions would love.”
The source also admitted that the contrast with Andrew’s previous lifestyle is stark.
They said: ‘He appears to have very little opportunity or inclination to leave his temporary property, and his daily existence now appears distinctly subdued.
“He spends much of his time indoors, watching television or passing the time with video games. It’s a striking change: the difference between his former highly social lifestyle and palatial home, and now facing total exile in what will essentially be a house arrest imposed by his brother.”
Sources familiar with the Sandringham estate suggested that the relative modesty of the property compared to Royal Lodge could increase Andrew’s visibility – despite the king’s aim to keep him out of the public eye.
An insider said: “Because Marsh Farm is much smaller and less remote than Andrew’s previous home, it offers significantly fewer layers of privacy – there is simply less distance between him and the public, making him more visible than at any other time in his royal life.
“While the property has been modernized and offers a degree of comfort, it bears little resemblance to the scale, exclusivity and discretion to which he was once accustomed – it is a remarkable step back in both grandeur and seclusion.”
Located in the Norfolk countryside, close to open countryside and a country road, Marsh Farm offers seclusion but not complete isolation.
Although the property includes outbuildings and stables, it is considerably smaller than Andrew’s former 30-room home.
The renovations include interior renovations, improved broadband connectivity, a satellite dish installation and upgraded security fencing.
A real estate specialist said the cost of the upgrades could reach six figures. Further adjustments are needed to accommodate staff.
A mobile home has been installed on site after it became apparent that the main building could not accommodate staff.
A source close to the arrangements said: ‘There has clearly been an effort to maintain a basic level of staffing and day-to-day support, but it is all being managed within much stricter space constraints than before.
“Everything is now necessarily more compact and controlled, with much less space for the kind of setup Andrew was previously used to.”
Despite its rural charm, Marsh Farm is not entirely remote. The nearby village of Wolferton offers limited amenities including a social club and small businesses, although basic amenities require travel.
The nearest supermarket is over three miles away in Dersingham, underscoring the quieter, more limited pace of life Andrew now faces.
Observers said the move represents more than a logistical downgrade – it signals a lasting shift in status.
A palace aide said: ‘This goes far beyond a simple change of residence – it speaks directly to Andrew’s changed role and diminished status.
“The setting itself reflects where he sits now, both within the hierarchy of the royal family and in the eyes of the public.”
