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St. George's Hill Residents Demand Prince Andrew's Departure

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. -residents-demand-prince-andrew-s-departure.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 6:39 GMT by Wales Online
      Locales: Wales, Surrey, UNITED KINGDOM

St. George's Hill, Surrey - For years, the exclusive gated community of St. George's Hill has represented the pinnacle of British affluence and tranquility. Home to celebrities, business leaders, and even members of the royal family, the area is synonymous with discretion and prestige. However, a growing sense of unease and embarrassment has settled over the estate, stemming from the continued presence of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his association with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Residents are increasingly vocal about the negative impact his presence has on their community, feeling 'tarnished' by proximity and demanding a change.

The concerns are not new, but have steadily amplified in the wake of damning allegations surrounding Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein. The Duke's disastrous 2019 television interview, where he attempted to defend his friendship with Epstein while simultaneously distancing himself from any knowledge of the crimes, proved to be a watershed moment, prompting his resignation from public duties. Despite this, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding Virginia Giuffre's claims of sexual assault, Prince Andrew has remained a resident of Kensington Hall, a sprawling GBP18 million estate purchased in 2007.

"It's just really embarrassing," one long-term resident, requesting anonymity, told this reporter. "You don't want to be associated with him. People are trying to avoid it. You feel awkward when people ask you if you know him. It's really a shame because it's such a lovely place to live, but his presence has really tarnished it." This sentiment is echoed by multiple homeowners within the community, who describe a pervasive feeling of discomfort and a desire for Prince Andrew to relinquish his residency.

The issue extends beyond mere social awkwardness. The association with the Epstein scandal poses a reputational risk to St. George's Hill itself. The estate prides itself on exclusivity and a certain level of social grace; the Prince's ongoing connection to a convicted sex offender threatens to undermine that carefully cultivated image. Estate agents report anecdotal evidence of potential buyers expressing reservations about properties in close proximity to Kensington Hall, impacting property values and the overall desirability of the area.

"He seems to think he can just carry on as normal, but he can't," another resident commented, expressing frustration with what they perceive as a lack of self-awareness. "He needs to just disappear." This isn't simply a case of personal dislike, but a recognition that his continued presence is damaging the collective reputation and peace of mind of the entire community.

The situation highlights a complex dynamic: residents acknowledge Prince Andrew's historical status and the investment he has made in the area, but believe his actions have irrevocably damaged his right to remain a prominent fixture. The desire isn't malicious, but rather a plea for the restoration of the community's previously unblemished image.

The broader context surrounding the case is crucial. The Epstein scandal has shaken institutions worldwide, revealing a network of power and privilege used to facilitate abuse. While Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the weight of evidence and public perception have led to widespread condemnation. His legal battles continue to unfold, adding further complexity to the situation.

Some legal experts speculate that the ongoing scrutiny could ultimately force the sale of Kensington Hall. While the Prince has reportedly rarely used the property since stepping down from royal duties, maintaining such a substantial estate carries significant financial and logistical burdens. A sale, while potentially controversial, might be seen as the only way to alleviate the tension within the community and allow St. George's Hill to reclaim its reputation.

The situation at St. George's Hill serves as a microcosm of the broader public reckoning with powerful figures accused of misconduct. It's a community grappling with the consequences of association, and the difficult question of how to reconcile prestige with accountability. As one resident succinctly put it, "It's just really awkward. You don't want to be associated with him." The shadow of Prince Andrew's past continues to loom large over St. George's Hill, leaving residents hoping for a resolution that will finally allow them to regain their peace and tranquility.