PRINCE Edward was the first royal to visit his shamed brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — for a “quiet word” about finally moving into his permanent home in exile.
The disgraced former prince is due to take up residence at Marsh Farm, at Sandringham, but has been “dragging his heels”.
Edward was due to stay at nearby Wood Farm — where Andrew is holed up temporarily — this week, but had to stay in the main house as his brother was reluctant to leave, sources say.
The Duke of Edinburgh was the first family member to see Andrew in two months when he visited him in Norfolk this week.
The former prince has been avoided by his entire family since he was evicted from Royal Lodge, Windsor, at the start of February over his links with US paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, 66, was yesterday spotted meeting Sandringham estate manager Edward Parsons after he made the short drive to Marsh Farm.
And flat-packed removal boxes were driven away, showing the final move was virtually complete.
A friend said: “Prince Edward was the first and only member of the Royal Family to visit.
“Andrew has been ignored by everyone since he left Royal Lodge, including his daughters and ex-wife who have stayed away.
“Edward has already publicly made his feelings clear when he expressed concern for the victims.
“Edward was meant to be staying at Wood Farm as he regularly books it for Easter, but his brother was there.
“Andrew has been dragging his heels. He could have moved by now, but has been reluctant. Edward has had a quiet word with his brother.”
Palace aides have always indicated that Andrew must be in his permanent new home Marsh Farm by Easter weekend.
The King refused to see Andrew when he stayed for a week a mile away from Wood Farm at Sandringham last month.
Prince William and Kate, who are on holiday nearby on the royal estate at Anmer Hall, also gave him a wide berth this week.
Daughters Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, have not visited their father since he was smuggled out of Royal Lodge in Windsor under cover of darkness in February.
Ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 66, has been in hiding, presumed abroad, since she was also booted out of the 30-room mansion.
Edward and wife Sophie are believed to have begun their Norfolk Easter break in a wing of Sandringham’s main house.
The Duke of Edinburgh is the most senior royal to speak about allegations against his brother in the Epstein Files, which were released in January.
Quizzed at a conference in Dubai recently, he said: “I think it’s all really important, always, to remember the victims, and who are the victims in all this.”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
