Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has erected a brand new set of gates outside his soon-to-be new Norfolk home, Marsh Farm, on the Sandringham Estate.
The 66-year-old former prince has yet to move into the farmhouse as he awaits the completion of renovations, and is staying temporarily in another property on the King’s private estate, Wood Farm.
While final preparations are put in place, a fresh, pale coloured wooden gate has been installed in the middle of a new fence that was placed in front of an older gate, presumably to block the view of the farmhouse.
The tall double-doored gate means only the roof of Andrew’s newest home is visible when standing on the path outside the Wolferton property, following his eviction from his long-term residence, Royal Lodge.
It is believed the father-of-two, who was stripped of his titles by his brother, King Charles, in 2025, will move into the farmhouse in April once the work is completed.
Away from prying eyes
Various renovations have taken place both inside and outside the house; however, the gate is the latest in a series of protective measures being installed.
A six-foot fence was built as a security measure around the property, with the new gate being situated just a few days later. The gate features a metal clasp on the top of the doors so that it can be sealed shut.
With the fence and gate in place, the two-storey home will be protected from the nearby road, and it was also reported by the Eastern Daily Press that a trench was dug across the drive between the farmhouse and a barn next door.
A Sky TV dish has also been spotted arriving at the home, as have carpet fitters and HELLO! understands that workmen from family-run company Linney Cooper, which holds a Royal Warrant, have been seen at Marsh Farm.
They previously supplied the carpets for Andrew’s Royal Lodge, which he moved out of at the start of February, alongside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who was also living at the Windsor property.
© Getty ImagesTemporary lodgings
While Andrew waits for his new home to be ready, he is staying elsewhere on the 20,000-acre estate at Wood Farm, which is around two miles from Sandringham House.
A rather humble abode compared to his previous palatial home in Windsor, the red-bricked, L-shaped cottage has two floors and five bedrooms.
In his new lodgings, formalities are relaxed, and if there are staff present, they aren’t required to wear uniforms, unlike at other royal residences across the country.
© Getty ImagesDespite the lax rules, one hard and fast condition for living in the cottage is that no cats are allowed inside, an order originally implemented by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The rule is there to protect pheasant fledglings bred for the annual shoots on the estate.
According to the Sandringham Estate website, barbecues are off-limits outside designated spaces. The notice reads: “There are plenty of areas and spaces to picnic in the Royal Parkland. BBQs are not permitted anywhere on the Estate.”
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