Prince Andrew Faces Unusual Ban In Sandringham Move

Prince Andrew, the embattled former Duke of York, finds himself in a peculiar state of limbo as his royal living arrangements undergo significant upheaval. Originally slated to vacate his longtime residence at Royal Lodge by the end of January 2026, Andrew remains ensconced in Windsor as of early February, with his next move delayed by a combination of royal protocol, property repairs, and even a rather odd estate rule that has left many observers scratching their heads.

According to Hello! and Marie Claire, the plan had been for Andrew to relocate to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate while extensive renovations are completed on his new home, Marsh Farm. The move marks a notable downsizing for the prince, who has been under intense public scrutiny for several years. But as he readies himself for life at Sandringham, he’ll need to abide by a longstanding—and somewhat surprising—ban: no cats allowed.

The King’s sprawling 20,000-acre Sandringham estate, famous for its rich history and ties to the royal family, enforces a strict policy against feline residents. The estate’s official website spells it out plainly: “We have a strict no cats policy.” As The Guardian reported in 2023, this rule is “probably to protect pheasant fledglings that are bred for the Sandringham shoot.” The ban was originally enacted by Queen Elizabeth II and has been maintained by King Charles III. The rationale? Cats, with their natural hunting instincts, pose a threat to the young pheasants carefully reared for the estate’s traditional shoots—a cherished royal pastime.

This policy stands in stark contrast to the royal family’s well-known affection for dogs. In fact, Andrew has been the caretaker for the late Queen’s last two beloved corgis, Sandy and Muick, since her death in 2022. Whether the corgis will join him at Sandringham remains uncertain. The palace offered only a cryptic statement: “The corgis will remain with the family.” As Marie Claire noted, Andrew is not known to be a cat lover, but the fate of the dogs is still up in the air.

Yet, the absence of cats on the estate has led to an unintended consequence—an uptick in rodent activity. In mid-January 2026, a rat control van was spotted at Marsh Farm, the soon-to-be home of the former Duke of York. According to the Daily Mail, “mice and rats are common in the area” due to the longstanding ban on cats. Without natural feline predators to keep the rodent population in check, pest control measures have become a necessary part of estate management. For Andrew, it’s a rather ironic twist: the strict no-cats policy, intended to protect one species, has inadvertently created a haven for another.

The move itself has been anything but straightforward. Marsh Farm, Andrew’s designated new residence, has required extensive repairs before it can be considered habitable. Over the past month, work vans have been seen coming and going from the property, a sign of the major renovations underway. As Hello! reported, the delays have forced Andrew to remain at Wood Farm, a property cherished by the late Prince Philip, while the necessary improvements are carried out at Marsh Farm.

Wood Farm, nestled within the Sandringham estate, holds a special place in royal history. It was Prince Philip’s favored retreat, a place where he could escape the formalities of royal life and enjoy a quieter existence. For Andrew, the temporary stay at Wood Farm offers a measure of privacy and continuity, even as his future residence is prepared. But it also underscores the transitional nature of his current circumstances—a prince in waiting, caught between homes and, perhaps, between eras.

The strict no-cats policy isn’t the only rule that sets Sandringham apart. The estate, which also rents out properties to the public, is managed with an eye toward tradition and conservation. The protection of pheasants for the annual shoots is a deeply ingrained aspect of the estate’s culture. As The Guardian observed, the ban on cats is “probably to protect pheasant fledglings that are bred for the Sandringham shoot.” This focus on game birds has shaped not only the estate’s wildlife management but also the daily lives of its residents—royal or otherwise.

For Andrew, the move to Marsh Farm represents more than just a change of address. It’s a significant step down from the grandeur of Royal Lodge, reflecting both his reduced role within the royal family and the practical realities of maintaining such properties. The extensive repairs at Marsh Farm highlight the challenges of upkeeping historic estate homes, especially those that haven’t seen regular occupancy or modernization in years.

Meanwhile, the presence of rats and the absence of cats serve as a reminder that even the most carefully curated royal environments are subject to the whims of nature—and the unintended consequences of well-meaning rules. The sight of pest control vans at Marsh Farm may not fit the fairy-tale image of royal life, but it’s a reality for those living on the estate.

As for the late Queen’s corgis, their future remains a subject of speculation. The statement that “the corgis will remain with the family” leaves room for interpretation, and royal watchers are keen to see whether Sandy and Muick will join Andrew at Sandringham or stay elsewhere within the royal fold. The dogs, symbols of Queen Elizabeth’s enduring legacy, have become minor celebrities in their own right, and their placement is of genuine interest to many.

The ongoing renovations at Marsh Farm, coupled with the peculiarities of estate life, paint a picture of transition and adaptation. Prince Andrew’s journey from Royal Lodge to Marsh Farm—via Wood Farm—mirrors the broader shifts within the royal family itself. Traditions are upheld, but practicalities sometimes get in the way. Rules meant to preserve one aspect of estate life can complicate another. And through it all, the daily realities of repairs, pest control, and pet policies remind us that even royal life is not immune to the mundane challenges faced by homeowners everywhere.

As the repairs continue and Andrew awaits his move, the eyes of royal watchers remain fixed on Windsor and Sandringham. The story of a prince, his pets, and an estate with no cats is a quirky chapter in the ongoing saga of Britain’s royal family—one that blends tradition, practicality, and a touch of the unexpected.