Following his official retirement in 2017, Philip opted to reside at Wood Farm, a modest cottage on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. It provided him with a peaceful retreat far from the formality of palace life. As royal expert Ingrid Seward explains, the Duke “loves Norfolk” and cherished his time in a cosy farmhouse where he could read, relax, and be himself without the trappings of grandeur
Princess Anne elaborated on this sensible choice, saying her parents understood each other's individual rhythms. Philip preferred the solitude and informality Wood Farm offered, while Elizabeth remained at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle to fulfill her duties ([turn0search7]). Their separation was rooted not in distance, but in meeting each other’s personal needs.
Balancing Royal Duty and Independence
Philip had an inherently independent spirit and struggled with the ceremonial constraints of being a royal consort. While still supportive of his wife’s work, he valued having a quieter existence that allowed him to maintain his own identity rather than being defined by protocol ([turn0search1]).
Princess Anne confirmed that their arrangement was based on a mutual recognition of their respective needs. It wasn’t a sign of conflict but a thoughtful compromise designed to give both freedom and comfort.
💬 Misconceptions versus a Mature Partnership
For years, the couple’s separate living quarters fueled rumors of estrangement or marital discord. But Anne has reaffirmed that their arrangement embodied trust and personal space—not a fractured marriage ([turn0search7]). As insiders noted, their bond remained strong. Even as Philip spent months apart from the Queen, he remained “a phone call away” and returned regularly for family events and holidays ([turn0search1]).
Shared Moments During Lockdown
The COVID‑19 pandemic brought the couple back together. During lockdown in 2020, they reunited at Windsor Castle, sharing those quieter moments indefinitely for the first time in years.