The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, is reportedly engaged in tough negotiations over his future accommodation, presenting a detailed list of demands before he will agree to leave his long-term home at Royal Lodge. This follows the shocking announcement from Buckingham Palace that formally stripped him of his royal titles amid the ongoing scandal related to his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Core Demands: Staff and Security
According to reports, Andrew is seeking assurances that his new home will come with a full complement of staff to cater to his needs. His requirements are said to include a live-in cook, a housekeeper, gardeners, and a butler. Furthermore, royal expert Tom Sykes, writing in the Royalist newsletter, alleges that the disgraced royal is also demanding a driver and continued police security.
The property itself is a major point of contention. Andrew is reportedly insisting on a substantial six or seven-bedroom house located on the private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which is owned by his brother, King Charles. The vast estate boasts around 150 properties, but the specific one Andrew will occupy remains unclear.
The Sticky Situation at Royal Lodge
The move is necessitated by the King's decision that his brother should vacate the 30-room Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle. However, Andrew's position is strengthened by the terms of his lease. He held a 75-year 'iron-clad' lease on the Grade II listed mansion, for which he paid only a nominal 'peppercorn' rent but was responsible for significant upkeep costs.
Biographer Andrew Lownie noted that the Duke had invested heavily in the property, stating he "had put £8.5million into this house" and expected it to remain in the family for decades. This investment forms a key part of the current negotiations, with a former courtier suggesting, "Andrew is essentially being bought out of the lease, so he will haggle over every last detail of the deal."
Family Separation and Future Plans
The relocation also marks a domestic separation from his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York. It is understood that while Andrew moves to Sandringham, Sarah Ferguson will reportedly rely on their daughters for accommodation. Potential options include Princess Beatrice's converted property in the Cotswolds or a suite in Princess Eugenie's lavish home in Portugal, an area popular with celebrities.
Additional reports indicate that Andrew is keen to secure the right to move freely around the Sandringham Estate, rather than being confined to the boundaries of his new home. While an initial move date in the New Year was suggested, this timeline is now likely to be pushed back as negotiations continue.
The situation underscores the complex financial and personal ramifications of Andrew's fall from royal favour, as he seeks to secure his lifestyle following the loss of his titles and his Windsor home.
