In a dramatic royal reshuffle that signals a significant reduction in his standing, Prince Andrew is set to relinquish his lavish Windsor home in a major concession to the monarchy.
A Royal Residence in Transition
The Duke of York will hand over the keys to Royal Lodge, his magnificent 30-room Windsor estate, as part of a sweeping reorganization of royal properties orchestrated by King Charles III. This move represents one of the most substantial changes to royal living arrangements in recent years.
The sprawling property, which Prince Andrew has called home since 2004 after taking over a 75-year lease, has been at the centre of negotiations between the Duke and royal officials for months. The monarch has been pushing for a streamlined, cost-effective royal property portfolio since ascending the throne.
From Palace to Possible Cottage
Sources indicate the controversial royal is expected to relocate to the considerably more modest Frogmore Cottage – the former Windsor home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The five-bedroom property presents a stark contrast to his current palatial surroundings.
This downgrade comes amid ongoing fallout from Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his subsequent withdrawal from public duties. The royal has consistently denied any wrongdoing but has seen his royal privileges and status diminish significantly.
Financial Pressures Mount
The maintenance costs of Royal Lodge have become increasingly burdensome, with estimates suggesting required renovations could run into millions. The Grade II listed property, built in the 17th century and expanded in the 19th, demands constant upkeep that has proven financially challenging.
Royal commentators note that this relocation forms part of King Charles's broader vision for a "slimmed-down monarchy" – a restructuring that now appears to extend beyond working royals to include their living arrangements.
The transition timeline remains unclear, but the move signals a permanent shift in Prince Andrew's position within the royal framework, potentially ending his decades-long connection to one of Windsor's most prestigious addresses.
