Two fire engines responded to a call at Wood Farm, the Norfolk estate where Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is currently residing, on Monday afternoon. The vehicles arrived at the property with lights and sirens activated at approximately 12:25pm, according to reports, before departing shortly after a brief visit.
A witness told reporters that the fire engines arrived and departed quickly, with no visible police presence or security personnel at the scene. “There were no police or security around. The fire engine just suddenly arrives. They all went in and came out perhaps five or six minutes later. No-one had idea of what was going on,” the witness said. Initial indications suggest the incident was a false alarm, though the cause of the response remains unconfirmed.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Recent Move to Wood Farm
The incident at Wood Farm comes just days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was released from police custody on Thursday evening following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest relates to allegations of sharing sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy, a claim he has consistently denied. The investigation continues, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has not been charged with any offense.
His relocation to Wood Farm, a five-bedroom cottage on the Sandringham Estate, followed a dispute over his residence and lease terms at the nearby Royal Lodge. Town & Country Magazine reports that Wood Farm has long served as a private retreat for members of the British royal family. The estate itself has been owned by the royals since 1862, when it was purchased by Prince Albert, then Prince of Wales, and his wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
A History of Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate
Wood Farm’s history extends back over a century, with connections to several generations of the royal family. According to Wikipedia, in 1917, King George V and Queen Mary sent their youngest son, Prince John, who suffered from epileptic seizures, to reside at Wood Farm. He spent time tending a garden and receiving visits from Queen Alexandra before his death in 1919.
The cottage has likewise been home to other members of the royal family and their guests over the years. Most recently, Wood Farm served as the primary residence of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, following his retirement in 2017 until his death in April 2021. Prince Philip reportedly redesigned the kitchen and bedrooms and decorated the walls with his own artwork during his time there.
Increased Security Measures Following Arrest
Following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest, police had been stationed outside Wood Farm. Yet, those officers have since been withdrawn, and a sign has been erected at the entrance to the estate, warning journalists and photographers that the property is private and that no comment will be made to the press. The sign also states that photographers are not permitted on the grounds and that non-compliance will be reported to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).
The Sandringham Estate, where Wood Farm is located, is a sprawling 20,000-acre property in Norfolk, known as the traditional site of the royal family’s Christmas gathering. The estate overlooks The Wash, a large bay and estuary that opens into the North Sea.
The current situation at Wood Farm underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as he faces allegations related to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities continue their work. The next step in the legal process remains unclear at this time, but authorities have indicated they will provide further information as it becomes available.
What we have is a developing story. Check back for updates.
