Prince Andrew could be set to spend Christmas at remote royal farmhouse Wood Farm this year, which is part of the family's Sandringham estate but stands alone and 'isolated'. The royal has spent much of this year locking horns with his brother, King Charles, over living arrangements and his decision not to vacate Royal lodge.
But despite some animosity between the siblings, The Duke Of York is said to still be invited to Sandringham for the festive celebrations alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their adult children, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. But with Andrew expected to reside at Wood Farm, it's unlikely he will be spending much time with the extended family in Sandringham.
Previously described as "modest by royal standards", the five-bedroom farmhouse, built in the local Norfolk style, stands alone just a short walk from The Wash, a shallow bay filled with estuaries, deep water channels and mudflats. Wood Farm has a Royal history dating back to the 1860s when it was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Despite being part of the Sandringham Estate, it offers perfect seclusion and was much loved by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Philip resided there from 2017 until his passing in 2021 and notable figures like Princess Diana and the Duchess of York have stayed there during festive periods to be near their children. Kate Middleton also spent time there in the early stages of her relationship with William when they visited Sandringham, and many speculated she had returned there before her cancer diagnosis was made public.
It has also been suggested that Wood Farm could be an alternative permanent home for Andrew, who is refusing to move out of his home, Royal Lodge, despite the King's wishes for him to leave the property. However, it appears that neither have taken the disagreement too personally, and a festive reunion seems likely this Christmas.
Royal expert Jennie Bond recently speculated on the situation, telling OK!: "As families expand, life gets more complicated. And the Yorks now have two sons-in-law and four grandchildren to consider." o it is beginning to become untenable to have the whole extended royal family under one roof at Sandringham...especially with Camilla's family to consider as well. However, it seems that Andrew remains keen on the traditional royal Christmas and, even after all the controversy over Royal Lodge, he and Sarah will almost certainly be invited to share the King and Queen's celebrations".
She insisted that the King is not "a vindictive man" and will "always extend an invitation for Andrew and his family to share big family occasions".
