King Charles' Norfolk residence, the Sandringham estate, has recently become home to his disgraced brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who is temporarily staying at Wood Farm while he waits for renovations to be completed at nearby Marsh Farm.
Having had his royal titles and honours removed in November 2025 and leaving behind his former 30-room mansion Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park in February 2026, Andrew may be coming to terms with his new, more modest living arrangements – and they include a number of new rules he may not be used to.
According to the Sandringham estate website, barbecues remain off-limits as they present potential fire hazards to the 20,000-acre surroundings, much of which is woodland and farmland. "There are plenty of areas and spaces to picnic in the Royal Parkland. BBQs are not permitted anywhere on the Estate," the FAQ section reads.
However, a handful of camping and glamping accommodations are exempt, provided the barbecue is raised from the ground. Some holiday rentals, such as The Folly, also advertise barbecues as amenities, meaning the strict ban is aimed primarily at the public parklands.
Consequently, if Andrew wishes to enjoy any al fresco dining this summer, he will be strictly confined to the private boundaries of his own property.
Home rules
This is not the only rule for residents on the Sandringham estate. The former royal will be banned from having a particular type of pet, thanks to a rule introduced by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
There is a "no cats policy" to protect local wildlife like pheasants. Dogs, however, are considered on a "case-by-case" basis, so it remains unclear whether Andrew is currently living with the corgis he inherited from the late monarch.
Wood Farm's history
Before the spotlight shone on Wood Farm amid Andrew's relocation, the property gained an unfortunate reputation for its dark history.
It was where Prince John, the youngest son of King George V and Queen Mary, lived a reclusive life with his nanny, Charlotte Bill, to hide his epileptic seizures. Tragically, on 18 January 1919, Prince John passed away in his sleep at the age of 14 after suffering a severe seizure at the cottage.
Fast forward 73 years, and it became known as Sarah Ferguson's 'divorce home' after she stayed there over Christmas in 1992. Sarah and Andrew were officially married from 1986 to 1996, but they separated in 1992. The former Duchess kept a low profile at Wood Farm while her ex and their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, attended the annual royal Christmas celebrations at Sandringham House.
Sarah had been banned from attending by Prince Philip after photographs emerged of her in a compromising position with her financial advisor, John Bryan.
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