LONDON, Feb 4: Former UK Prince Andrew, now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has moved out of his long-time Royal Lodge residence near Windsor Castle ahead of schedule following renewed scrutiny over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The 65-year-old relocated on Monday to King Charles III’s private Sandringham estate in eastern England, temporarily living at Wood Farm Cottage while his permanent home undergoes repairs.
The move, initially announced in October after Andrew was stripped of his royal titles, was expected to occur in the spring but was expedited amid the release of US Department of Justice documents highlighting his interactions with Epstein.
The move also follows a separate allegation that Epstein flew a woman to Britain in 2010 to have sex with Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge. He has denied wrongdoing and has not publicly commented on the new claim.
The Royal Lodge, which Andrew leased until 2078, had long been a point of tension between him and King Charles, who sought to move him to a smaller property. Public and parliamentary scrutiny over the favorable lease and his ties to Epstein intensified pressure for his departure.
Unlike Royal Lodge, Sandringham is the king’s personal estate, not crown-owned, giving Andrew a temporary residence under closer supervision.
Mandelson ambassador files to be released amid Epstein fallout
The UK government will release emails and documents regarding Peter Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as ambassador to the United States, amid controversy over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The move follows pressure from the opposition Conservative Party, which threatened a parliamentary vote demanding full disclosure. Critics argued Mandelson should never have been appointed given his known relationship with Epstein.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Mandelson had “lied repeatedly” to officials and betrayed the government, Parliament, and his party.
Mandelson was dismissed in September after emails revealed he maintained contact with Epstein following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor.
Documents suggest Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein, including lobbying on tax policy and bailout plans, and received USD 75,000 from Epstein-linked accounts.
Mandelson faces a police investigation for misconduct in public office and may be stripped of his noble title and Privy Council membership.
The EU is also reviewing potential wrongdoing during his tenure as trade commissioner. Publication excludes material affecting national security, international relations, or ongoing investigations. (AP)
