Duke of York Under Scrutiny Over Maintenance Costs at Royal Lodge
Prince Andrew is reportedly facing mounting pressure to relocate from his current residence, Royal Lodge, amid growing financial strain. A recent BBC report revealed that the 64-year-old Duke of York, who has relied on financial support from King Charles and the Royal Family, may soon need to cover the extensive upkeep of the property himself if he wishes to remain there.
Royal Lodge, a historic estate located in Windsor Great Park, has been Andrew’s home since 2003, when he took over the lease following the death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Over the years, he has invested £7.5 million in renovations and paid £1 million to the Crown Estate. However, the property’s listed status requires ongoing and costly maintenance, a challenge that has led to what some insiders are calling the "siege of Royal Lodge."
The financial strain is believed to stem from long-term economic concerns rather than family conflicts, with the Royal Family reportedly exploring more affordable housing options for Andrew. If he is unable to shoulder the high costs of maintaining the estate, speculation suggests that he might be moved to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Though Andrew’s 75-year lease on Royal Lodge includes a clause preventing him from profiting from the property’s value, it does allow his daughters or widow to inherit it upon his death. However, terminating the lease early would result in minimal compensation for the renovations due to the terms of the lease’s reimbursement arrangement.
While Andrew is keen to remain at Royal Lodge, his future there remains uncertain as King Charles’ financial support is expected to end eventually, potentially forcing the Duke to consider a more affordable residence.
