For more than two decades, the Royal Lodge in Windsor was home to one of the British monarchy’s most unconventional arrangements: Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, living alongside her ex-husband, Prince Andrew, and their beloved Corgis. But as of October 31, 2025, that chapter has come to an abrupt and dramatic end. The royal residence, once bustling with the laughter of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie and the playful barks of Muick and Sandy—the Queen’s cherished Corgis—now faces a future clouded by uncertainty.
The catalyst for this seismic shift? King Charles’s decision to strip his younger brother, Andrew, of his royal titles and order him to vacate the Royal Lodge. According to a palace statement reported by GB News, “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.” The official notice continued, “Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation.” The move, described as necessary by the palace, followed renewed scrutiny over Andrew’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—a controversy that has haunted the royal family for years.
King Charles, in a pointed gesture, made clear where the monarchy’s sympathies lie. As the palace statement emphasized, “Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.” The message was unambiguous: the royal household is distancing itself from Andrew’s scandals, even as he continues to deny the allegations against him.
For Sarah Ferguson, the fallout has been equally profound. The former Duchess of York has been forced to leave the Windsor property where she and Andrew had lived together since 2008. A source familiar with Ferguson’s situation told PEOPLE, “She is going to be moving out and into a separate home.” The insider also dismissed rumors that Ferguson had requested Adelaide Cottage, the residence of William and Kate, stating, “She has never asked for a property or any provision for herself. She will continue to forge an independent life.”
Ferguson’s impending move marks the end of a unique domestic partnership. The couple, who wed in 1986 and separated in 1992 before divorcing in 1996, had maintained a close relationship despite their split. Their cohabitation at Royal Lodge was, by royal standards, highly unusual. Yet, as royal biographer Tom Bower told GB News, the arrangement could not last. “The idea of her moving into another royal estate is ridiculous,” Bower said, adding that both Andrew and Ferguson have long struggled to manage their finances. “She’s a woman who’s never been able to control her spending, and that clearly has to be brought under control, as does Andrew’s,” Bower asserted.
Indeed, the couple’s financial woes are no secret to royal watchers. With Andrew now ordered to leave the Royal Lodge and his accommodation at Sandringham to be privately funded by King Charles, questions abound over how both ex-spouses will adjust to life outside the royal fold. Ferguson, who had previously received support from King Charles during her cancer treatment, now faces the daunting prospect of forging her own path—without the safety net of royal privilege. As PEOPLE reported, she will not be joining Andrew at Sandringham, nor will she be relocating to any other royal property.
For Andrew, the consequences are even starker. No longer referred to as “Prince,” he will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor—a direct descendant’s surname of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. This symbolic demotion underscores the gravity of the situation. The palace’s decision comes after years of mounting public pressure and renewed attention to Andrew’s ties with Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The allegations and controversy swirling around Andrew have cast a long shadow over the royal family’s reputation, forcing King Charles to take decisive action.
The Royal Lodge itself, a storied property in Windsor Great Park that once belonged to the Queen Mother, is now at the heart of speculation. With both Andrew and Ferguson set to depart, the fate of the late Queen’s beloved Corgis, Muick and Sandy, hangs in the balance. As reported by PEOPLE and other outlets, the uncertainty over who will care for the dogs has become a poignant symbol of the broader upheaval within the royal household. The Corgis, cherished companions of Queen Elizabeth, had found a home with Andrew and Ferguson after the Queen’s passing. Now, as the couple prepares to live separately, their future—like that of their owners—remains unclear.
Meanwhile, the royal family finds itself navigating a period of unprecedented change. The decision to remove Andrew’s titles and privileges has sparked debate among royal observers and fans alike. Some argue that the monarchy is finally taking the necessary steps to uphold its integrity and distance itself from scandal. Others question whether the measures go far enough, or worry about the impact on the family’s internal dynamics. As one palace insider noted, “Andrew faces his life’s biggest nightmare that brought his unruly kingdom crashing to earth.”
For the Duke’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, the developments are likely bittersweet. The Royal Lodge was not just a residence but a family home, steeped in memories and royal tradition. With both parents now facing uncertain futures, the next chapter for the York family is unwritten.
As for Sarah Ferguson, she appears determined to chart her own course. The palace has confirmed she will move into a home of her own, and friends insist she remains focused on building an independent life. Yet, the loss of her Windsor home and the public nature of her departure serve as stark reminders of how quickly fortunes can change within the House of Windsor.
In the end, the saga of Andrew and Ferguson’s Royal Lodge residency serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing the modern monarchy: how to balance tradition with accountability, loyalty with public trust, and personal relationships with the demands of royal duty. As the dust settles on Windsor Great Park, one thing is certain—the echoes of this decision will reverberate through the royal family for years to come.
With the fate of Muick and Sandy still unresolved and the royal household in flux, the story of the Queen’s beloved Corgis and their owners is far from over. For now, all eyes remain on Windsor, waiting to see what the next chapter will bring.
