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The royal for which Sandringham estate was first purchased — more than 160 years ago — was also embroiled in scandals. It has been described as "oddly fitting" then that disgraced Andrew — now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor — will move to Sandringham once his eviction from Royal Lodge is finalised . The 65-year-old man is being kicked out as part of measures to remove his remaining royal privileges. Andrew will instead reside at one of the homes on his brother's £60 million Sandringham estate in Norfolk, a story which shares parallels with that of the future Edward VII, for whom the estate was purchased in the 1860s. Edward — officially Albert, Prince of Wales — the first royal resident of the estate, was a model of impropriety, and the latest tenant arrives similarly drenched in scandal. Edward, Queen Victoria's eldest son, was a frequenter of brothels who ended up giving evidence in court in the baccarat scandal concerning cheating at cards. Victoria and Prince Albert were so concerned about their son's lifestyle they had staff investigate 18 possible country estates to find a suitable establishment they thought would ground the prince. And, likewise, Andrew had tainted the reputation of the royal family with his association with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and, for many years, was dogged by allegations he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre, who took her own life in April , after she was trafficked by the financier. Andrew has strenuously denied the allegations. A newspaper report in The Times today reads: "There is something oddly fitting about Andrew Mountbatten Windsor ending up in a home on the Sandringham estate." Buckingham Palace considers that there have been "serious lapses of judgment". In a statement, the Palace said: “Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. His lease on Royal Lodge has, to date, provided him with legal protection to continue in residence. "Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation. These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him." The move to Sandringham will be funded privately by the King. Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, have lived at the Royal Lodge since the early 2000s, and lease the property from the Crown Estate. They are expected to vacate it as soon as possible and Ms Ferguson, 66, will move into her own accommodation which has yet to be confirmed . Sandringham has remained a private royal estate since it was purchased as a country home for the Prince of Wales in 1862. The property has historically been the royal family's preferred residence for Christmas and new year, although none of them permanently live at the estate.
