Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s confronting reminder of Prince Philip amid relocation to Sandringham

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently residing at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, but the house was once the retirement property of his late father, Prince Philip. The husband of the late Queen Elizabeth II passed away in April 2021 at 99 years old, but he had retired to Andrew’s current residence on the royal estate in Norfolk in 2017 when he stepped back from public life.

It was a natural choice for Prince Philip, who had spent time at quiet Sandringham throughout his marriage to the late monarch, and the couple had already sojourned to Wood Farm specifically over the large Sandringham House while staying on the estate.

Inside Prince Philip’s country retreat

He lived there until the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to move to Windsor in 2020 to self-isolate with his wife. Wood Farm allowed him to retreat from public view, with the house boasting sea views for a sense of serenity.

© AFP via Getty Images

Philip and the late queen were also able to live a more relaxed lifestyle at Wood Farm, with their staff relieved of the expectation to wear uniforms, while working there didn’t wear the usual royal uniforms, and, according to the Telegraph, the queen was known to cook and even do dishes there.

According to Vanity Fair, Philip and Elizabeth started spending time there upon realising the costs attached to retreating to Sandringham House proper. Wood Farm was the perfect pick of all the cottages on the estate, as it was secluded while still maintaining proximity to the stables.

© Alamy Stock Photo

The family began using the house in 1967, and the late Duke of Edinburgh decorated the walls with his own art. Later, King Charles hosted shooting parties there during his studies at Cambridge. During his retirement, Philip would host more low-key gatherings of close family and friends here.

Why is Andrew living at Wood Farm?

Having been evicted from Royal Lodge on the Windsor Home Park estate in February 2026, Andrew is residing at Wood Farm until the renovations at his permanent residence at Marsh Farm are complete. 

© Getty Images

In new pictures captured earlier this week, the addition of a new security fence, carpet fittings, and the installation of Sky TV were spotted at the property. Workmen were also seen putting up grey blinds in the kitchen, and an equestrian fencing van was pictured as the stables take form out the back of the farmhouse.