Prince Edward becomes first royal to visit shamed brother Andrew for ‘quiet word’

Ex-prince Andrew is due to take up residence at Marsh Farm in Norfolk on the Sandringham estate, but sources say he has been ‘dragging his heels’ over the move from Royal Lodge

Prince Edward was the first royal to pay a visit to his disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, for a “quiet word” about finally settling into his permanent home in exile.

The shamed former prince is set to move into Marsh Farm, at Sandringham, but has been “dragging his heels”. Edward was scheduled to stay at nearby Wood Farm – where Andrew is temporarily residing – this week, but had to lodge in the main house as his brother was hesitant to vacate, insiders reveal. The Duke of Edinburgh was the first family member to see Andrew in two months when he visited him in Norfolk this week.

The former prince has been shunned by his entire family since he was ousted from Royal Lodge, Windsor, at the beginning of February due to his connections with late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, 66, was spotted yesterday meeting Sandringham estate manager Edward Parsons after he made the brief drive to Marsh Farm.

And flat-packed removal boxes were taken away, indicating the final move was nearly complete. A friend revealed: “Prince Edward was the first and only member of the Royal Family to visit. “Andrew has been ignored by everyone since he left Royal Lodge, including his daughters and ex-wife who have kept their distance.

“Edward has already publicly expressed his concern for the victims.”

Palace insiders have consistently suggested that Andrew must be settled in his permanent new residence, Marsh Farm, by the Easter weekend.

The King declined to meet with Andrew when he stayed just a mile away from Wood Farm at Sandringham last month. Prince William and Kate, who are holidaying nearby on the royal estate at Anmer Hall, also kept their distance this week.

Daughters Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, haven’t visited their father since he was covertly moved out of Royal Lodge in Windsor under the cover of night in February. Ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 66, has been laying low, presumably overseas, since she too was ousted from the 30-room mansion.

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