Prince Andrew's 'Sad and Lonely' Christmas: Insider Claims Ex-Prince Is Acting Like a 'Squatter' to Delay Move

For the Duke of York, the festive season has traditionally been a time of family unity, grand traditions, and the warmth of the Sandringham gathering. Yet, this year, the lights of the Royal Lodge will illuminate a much starker reality. Andrew Windsor, as he is now simply known, is preparing for a Christmas defined not by celebration, but by a profound sense of isolation.

According to insiders, the disgraced royal is digging his heels in at his long-held Windsor home, resulting in what sources describe as a 'sad, lonely' holiday period. While the rest of the royal family convenes in Norfolk, Prince Andrew is reportedly treating his current living situation like a 'squatter', stubbornly refusing to vacate the £30 million ($40 million) mansion despite mounting pressure from the monarch.

Prince Andrew Clings to Royal Lodge Amid 'Pathetic' Standoff

The saga of Andrew's residency has dominated royal whispers for months, but the timeline for his departure has now slipped well past King Charles's initial deadline. Although Andrew reportedly returned the lease to The Crown Estate on Oct. 30 — a strategic move intended to protect the standing of his daughters, Princess Beatrice, 37, and Princess Eugenie, 35 — he remains ensconced within the 31-room property he has occupied since 2004.

Sources close to the situation reveal that while the 77-year-old king had made his 'marching orders' clear, aiming for a Christmas vacancy, logistical hurdles have complicated the process. Andrew is eventually destined for a smaller, more modest residence on the Sandringham Estate, yet questions remain over whether the new property is habitable. Consequently, the Duke has seized upon these delays to extend his stay in familiar surroundings until at least February.

'He is treating it almost like a squatter situation, staying put until everything is completely ready for his move,' one insider claimed, barely veiling their frustration. 'It is typical Andrew — pathetic, childish, and ridiculous'.

This reluctance to leave is driven by more than just logistics; it is a battle for the last vestiges of his former life. Having been stripped of his HRH title and stepping back from public duties following the controversy surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the Royal Lodge represents a final stronghold of his princely status. 'Change isn't his strong suit, particularly when it means giving up familiar comforts,' another source noted. 'His stubbornness is a major reason the move has been delayed'.

King Charles and Family 'Relieved' by Prince Andrew Absence

While Andrew is reportedly 'pushing back' against the downsize, his relatives appear to be breathing a collective sigh of relief. For the second consecutive year, it is understood that Andrew will not be included in 'The Firm's' traditional holiday celebrations at Sandringham.

The delay in his eviction has provided a convenient excuse for the estrangement. A palace source was blunt in their assessment of the family's mood: 'The family feels relieved he won't be there for Christmas. It spares everyone an awkward situation with the senior royals after such a turbulent year'.

Instead of the bustle of a family Christmas, Andrew's holiday plans are described as solitary and understated. He has continued to live quietly on the estate, reportedly riding through Windsor Great Park with his 'head bowed', cutting a pitiful figure. Even his contact with his daughters has been limited in recent months, further deepening his isolation.

'He is accustomed to that space and independence,' a source explained regarding the mansion he once shared with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 66. 'Shifting to a smaller home will be a big adjustment'.

For now, however, Andrew remains in the vast, echoing halls of the Royal Lodge. A courtier observed that while the Duke is enduring a 'lonely period', he is choosing privacy over scrutiny. 'He knows people are watching, yet he isn't willing to be hurried,' the courtier said. 'He is feeling sad, lonely, and stubborn. Staying put allows him to cling to some sense of normalcy in what has been an extremely challenging year'.