The dramatic fall from grace of the Queen's second son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has taken a new turn as his financial situation and living arrangements are thrown into sharp relief.
A Stripped-Back Royal Status
Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has been stripped of all his royal titles and styles. This decisive action was taken by King Charles III, removing his younger brother's remaining links to official royal life.
The former prince's troubles began in earnest in 2020 when he withdrew from public duties following widespread backlash over his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In January 2022, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Andrew of his honorary military roles and royal charity patronages. This was a significant blow, signalling a firm distancing of the institution from the scandal-plagued royal.
Financial Freefall and a Modest Income
Despite his precipitous fall from favour, estimates of Andrew's personal wealth remain substantial. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his fortune is valued at approximately £3.7 million.
This stands in stark contrast to his declared annual income. The last publicly disclosed figure for his public funding was £249,000 per year in 2010. Following this, he received direct payments from the Queen's private wealth while performing royal duties.
However, a major financial shift occurred last year when King Charles cut Andrew's £1 million annual royal allowance. This leaves the former duke with a declared income of just £20,000 per year from his naval pension.
A 2023 Guardian investigation shed light on his past earnings, revealing that Andrew had made close to £13 million through royal work prior to 2019.
Leaving Royal Lodge and an Uncertain Future
Andrew has lived at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor for over two decades. In 2024, the Times reported that he had convinced palace authorities he possessed sufficient legitimate funds to cover his expenses.
That reprieve is now over. He will soon be required to leave the Royal Lodge and is anticipated to relocate to a property on the Sandringham estate in the new year.
According to royal expert and former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond, the former royal is "living in fear and angry" about his situation. Despite this, he was seen horse-riding around the Windsor estate on November 17, his first public appearance since losing his titles.
A royal expert has suggested that Andrew will expect to keep staff to assist him in his new, more modest residence, indicating a potential continuation of his previous lifestyle despite his radically changed circumstances.
