Locals in Sandringham have reacted with dismay at the news of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, moving to their area. Stripped of his royal titles by King Charles, Andrew is being relocated to Sandringham after vacating the Royal Lodge in Windsor. His past association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, alongside allegations of misconduct, has left him a disgraced figure.
Visitors and residents of Sandringham are largely supportive of the decision to remove his titles. Retired office worker Susan Larkins, 70, who was visiting the Sandringham café, expressed relief, deeming it “way past time” for such actions. “He’s a horrible man,” she bluntly stated, adding, “We don’t want him up here.”
Vanessa Beech, another local enjoying a walk with her dog, felt the King’s decision “most certainly” sent the right message. Reflecting the sentiment of the community, she noted, “Up here? Well, he’s got to go somewhere. It is what it is.”
While some residents like Jackie Cruickshank, from King’s Lynn, agreed with the decision, they voiced concerns about the media circus that might ensue. Despite her distaste for Andrew, Jackie remarked, “I just hope when he does come here, they don’t ruin it with all the photographers.”
The community’s mixed feelings highlight the complexity of hosting a royal with such a controversial past. As Sandringham gears up for this unexpected addition, it’s clear that the shadow of Andrew’s past continues to loom large, even amidst the picturesque setting of Norfolk.