Duke Faces Uncertain Future as Annual Allowance Ends and Royal Lodge Maintenance Costs Mount
Tensions between King Charles and Prince Andrew have heightened over Andrew’s residency at Royal Lodge, his long-time home on the Windsor estate. The ongoing dispute has placed financial strain on Andrew, who signed a 75-year lease for the property in 2003, as he grapples with the loss of his £1 million annual allowance.
It is believed that King Charles would prefer his brother to relocate to the smaller, more modest Frogmore Cottage. In contrast, Andrew remains committed to staying at the expansive 30-room mansion, even as recent photos reveal issues like black mould, cracks, and peeling paint.
According to Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story by Robert Hardman, a source close to Andrew claims he is exploring new financial avenues, particularly through connections in international trade, to cover the upkeep costs. However, doubts remain as to whether this income will be sustainable long-term.
Since 2004, Andrew has resided at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, sharing the property, which dates back to the mid-17th century and was gifted to the Queen Mother in the 1930s. The lease includes additional accommodations and extensive land, with Andrew initially covering renovations reportedly totaling £7.5 million.
As he faces these financial challenges, Andrew's future at Royal Lodge remains uncertain, especially given his brother’s apparent wish for a relocation.
