Despite his dramatic fall from royal grace, Prince Andrew is maintaining a surprisingly opulent lifestyle at his 30-room Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge, where he continues to enjoy the trappings of royalty behind closed gates.
A Day in the Life of the Disgraced Duke
Sources close to the royal household reveal that the Duke of York's daily routine remains remarkably privileged. His mornings typically begin with a game of tennis on his private court, followed by leisurely hours spent within the expansive grounds of his Grade II-listed home.
The 63-year-old prince, who settled a sexual assault civil case out of court in 2022, continues to dine in style with meals prepared by his private chef. Despite no longer undertaking public duties, he maintains an active social calendar with close friends and associates visiting the property.
Royal Security and Financial Arrangements
Perhaps most controversially, Prince Andrew retains his round-the-clock Metropolitan Police protection detail - a privilege that costs taxpayers millions annually. This continues despite his brother Prince Harry losing his automatic right to UK police security.
Financial questions continue to swirl around how the Duke funds his lifestyle. While he receives no public money through the Sovereign Grant, he reportedly benefits from a generous pension from his Royal Navy service and likely receives financial support from the Queen's private estate.
The Future of Royal Lodge
Royal experts suggest King Charles would prefer his brother to downsize to the more modest Frogmore Cottage, previously home to Harry and Meghan. However, Prince Andrew appears determined to remain in his current residence, where he's lived since 2004 after taking over the lease from the Queen Mother.
The sprawling property requires significant maintenance, with reports suggesting renovation costs could reach millions. This presents ongoing financial challenges for the Duke, who continues to navigate life away from the spotlight while maintaining the comforts befitting his birthright.
