Royal residence under scrutiny: a history of wood farm and prince andrew’s arrest
A shocking arrest at sandringham
In a stunning turn of events, Prince Andrew, formerly known as Duke of York, was arrested at Wood Farm, a five-bedroom cottage on the grounds of the Sandringham estate, on February 19, 2026. The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday, followed his expulsion from Royal Lodge and the removal of his royal titles due to his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. He was held for approximately 11 hours “on suspicion of misconduct in public office” before being released, marking the first time a member of the British Royal Family has been arrested in over 375 years. Authorities conducted searches of both Wood Farm and Royal Lodge during the investigation.
Sandringham: a royal legacy
Sandringham, located in the Norfolk countryside, is a sprawling 20,000-acre estate and one of the few privately owned properties within the British Royal Family. It's renowned as the site of the annual Royal Christmas gathering and holds a significant place in British History. While the estate derives its name from the Domesday Book of 1086, the Cobbe and Hoste families initially owned the land before Queen Victoria acquired it in 1862 for her son, Prince Edward.
Wood farm’s early history: a refuge for prince john
Wood Farm, existing as part of the Sandringham estate, gained notoriety in 1910 when Prince John, suffering from epilepsy, was sent to live there with a nurse. Biographers believe this was to shield him from public attention. Queen Alexandra, John’s grandmother, frequently visited. The cottage served as a haven for the young prince, who enjoyed tending to a garden and raising chickens before his untimely death in 1919 at the age of 13. He is buried in the chapel on the Sandringham grounds.
A period of rental and royal care
Following Prince John’s death, Wood Farm was leased out, a practice common for Sandringham properties. It was occupied by James Ansell, the family physician, who cared for Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and examined King George VI before his passing in 1952. The cottage transitioned from a personal residence to a functional space supporting the royal family's well-being.
Prince philip’s sanctuary
Prince Philip developed a fondness for Wood Farm after Ansell’s departure, appreciating its smaller scale compared to the grand Sandringham House. He favored its economical operation and isolated setting near pheasant hunting grounds, while still maintaining proximity to the stables and train station. Philip decorated the house with his own artwork and spent considerable time there, a tradition continued by King Charles III, who brought Princess Diana to Wood Farm during their courtship. It became a frequent retreat for various members of the Royal Family.
Andrew’s temporary residence and the ongoing investigation
In October 2025, King Charles III revoked Prince Andrew’s titles and evicted him and Sarah Ferguson from Royal Lodge. He subsequently moved to Wood Farm as a “temporary” residence while renovations, including enhanced security measures, were undertaken at Marsh Farm. The February 19th arrest at Wood Farm has cast a shadow over the property and sparked intense scrutiny. Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing, and the legal proceedings are ongoing.