Prince William has taken decisive action in the ongoing saga surrounding his disgraced uncle, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with reports emerging that the future king has effectively “seized” control over Andrew’s movements by pushing for restrictions that include passport measures. As Andrew faces imminent eviction from his longtime Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, the shift to a much humbler property on King Charles III’s Sandringham estate has revealed stark contrasts in living conditions that have shocked observers and highlighted the deepening rift within the royal family.

The passport element stems from earlier 2025 concerns where royal author Andrew Lownie labeled the former Duke of York a “flight risk” amid ongoing scrutiny tied to his past associations. Lownie urged authorities to confiscate Andrew’s passport to prevent potential flight from the UK, especially as investigations and public pressure mounted. While no official seizure by police has been confirmed, sources indicate William has been instrumental in palace efforts to limit Andrew’s freedom, ensuring he remains firmly in the country and isolated from royal duties. William’s reported stance—wanting his “wayward uncle as far away as possible”—aligns with his broader push to permanently exile Andrew from the family fold, as noted by experts in January 2026 reports. This includes blocking any subtle comebacks through daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, whom Andrew has viewed as his last “passport” back into royal circles.

The passport restriction narrative gained traction as Andrew’s titles and privileges were progressively stripped. Following the Epstein scandal fallout, King Charles III revoked his military affiliations, royal patronages, and use of “His Royal Highness” in official capacities. William, increasingly influential in palace decisions, has reportedly led the response to contain damage, prioritizing the monarchy’s reputation over familial ties. Insiders describe William’s approach as “cold and calculated,” avoiding public drama while enforcing boundaries that keep Andrew sidelined.

The most shocking development, however, lies in Andrew’s impending relocation. Evicted from the sprawling 30-room Royal Lodge—his home since 2003—Andrew is set to move to Marsh Farm, a modest former farmhouse on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Recent visits and photos have revealed a property far removed from royal opulence: described as “ramshackle,” “shoebox-sized,” and in need of extensive renovations costing millions. Construction crews were spotted in January 2026, with excavators and workers addressing structural issues, but reports highlight ongoing problems including flood risks from a nearby bog and floodplain location. Residents in the area have been advised to sign up for flood alerts, raising fears that Andrew could face water damage threats in his new abode.

Marsh Farm, located about seven miles from Sandringham House, lacks the grandeur Andrew enjoyed. No space exists for full staff quarters, luxury garages for his car collection, or the extensive support he’s accustomed to. Insiders note it may accommodate only a “skeleton staff,” with no room for cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, drivers, or dedicated police protection at the level he demands. Andrew reportedly made his first secret visit to the property recently, driving around in a Range Rover to inspect progress. Sources close to him say he emerged “resigned” to his future, accepting this as the new reality after years of resistance. One friend quoted him as concluding he must “get on with the rest of his life” and make the best of it, though the downgrade has been humiliating.

The contrast is stark. Royal Lodge offered expansive grounds, privacy, and proximity to Windsor Castle. Marsh Farm, a “poky” and potentially flood-prone cottage in Wolferton village, represents exile in the truest sense. Temporary accommodation on the estate has been offered to hasten his departure from Windsor, with removal vans already spotted clearing Royal Lodge in mid-January. Andrew may vacate before his February 19 birthday, handing keys back to the King. Speculation persists about pest control issues and the home’s grim, isolated feel—some reports even link it to past royal connections that add a layer of irony or discomfort.

This relocation underscores William’s influence in reshaping the monarchy. As Prince of Wales and heir, he has prioritized slimming down the institution, focusing on core family members like himself, Catherine, and their children. Andrew’s continued presence posed reputational risks, especially with ongoing public scrutiny. William’s push for permanent exile aligns with expert views that he seeks to distance the “wayward uncle” entirely, ensuring no pathway back through family optics or events.

Andrew’s daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, remain his tenuous link to royal life, but even they have navigated carefully, sometimes steering clear to protect their own positions. The passport “seizure” metaphor—whether literal or through palace-enforced restrictions—symbolizes the tightening noose. While no formal confiscation has occurred, the combined pressure from family, media, and potential legal shadows keeps him grounded in the UK.

The saga has captivated royal watchers, blending family drama, power shifts, and stark lifestyle downgrades. Andrew’s move to Marsh Farm marks the end of an era of entitlement, replaced by a humbler, riskier existence. For William, it reinforces his role as future steward of the monarchy—decisive, protective, and unwilling to tolerate lingering scandals. As renovations continue at Marsh Farm and eviction deadlines loom, the details of Andrew’s new chapter continue to shock, revealing just how far the once-privileged prince has fallen.