Royal Author Says Former Prince Andrew "Is Going Nowhere Fast" and Is Using "Downsizing" as an Excuse to Strategically "Delay" Leaving Royal Lodge

"Why rush to your own diminishment?"

A closeup picture of Prince Andrew looking upset and wearing a blue suit with a white dress shirt and red tie
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Having relinquished his royal titles and agreed to move out of Royal Lodge, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's life is set to be completely different in 2026. However, according to a royal author, the former prince isn't necessarily rushing to leave his Windsor property.

In an interview with Hello! magazine, author Robert Jobson said, "Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor seems to be kicking his heels." The expert continued, "The disgraced royal has made it clear to The King and courtiers who sent him packing, that he is going nowhere fast."

Jobson also discussed the tactics the former Duke of York appears to be employing after agreeing to leave his home. "Despite formal notice being served in October to surrender his Royal Lodge lease, he won't budge until February [2026] at the earliest, suggesting he will spend Christmas at Royal Lodge while The King invites the rest of his close family to Sandringham," Jobson noted.

'Royal Lodge, Windsor: The Country Home of the Royal Family', 1937. A Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, England, known as the Royal Lodge since the late 1820s. From "George VI, King and Emperor", by Major J. T. Gorman [W. & G. Foyle Ltd., London, 1937]. (Colorised black and white print).

Royal Lodge in Windsor.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As for how Andrew is stalling his move, Jobson claimed, "Why the delay? Logistics. Moving two decades of accumulated life from 30 rooms into a modest cottage takes time, close sources say. It is understood Andrew's Sandringham property isn't ready. Downsizing is complex, the palace says."

Essentially, the royal author believes that the former prince is utilizing any excuse available to avoid his imminent move. "Sources say Andrew is 'leaning on every technical step available' to slow the process," Jobson told the outlet. "Delay as strategy. Why rush to your own diminishment?"

Royal Lodge exterior with deer

Royal Lodge in Windsor.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While Andrew's move from Royal Lodge has reportedly been delayed, he has agreed to vacate the premises in the coming months. Meanwhile, his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, is rumored to be making her own arrangements regarding where she will live after leaving Royal Lodge, which she currently still shares with Andrew.

Amy Mackelden
Weekend Editor

Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.