The sprawling Windsor estate that Prince Andrew calls home has become the centre of a new royal storm, with King Charles reportedly considering reclaiming the prestigious property amid ongoing controversies surrounding the Duke of York.
Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion where Andrew has resided since 2004, represents more than just luxury accommodation—it's become a symbol of the Duke's dramatic fall from royal favour. The Grade II-listed property, set within the exclusive Great Park, requires staggering maintenance costs estimated at millions, raising questions about who should foot the bill for a royal who no longer performs public duties.
A Home Steeped in Royal History
The property's history reads like a who's who of royal residents. Originally built for George IV, it later served as home to the Queen Mother for nearly five decades. The current arrangement sees Andrew holding a long-term lease on the property, but royal insiders suggest this arrangement may be coming to an abrupt end.
"The King is facing increasing pressure to demonstrate that the Royal Family is mindful of public spending," a palace source revealed. "Maintaining such an expensive property for a non-working royal is becoming increasingly difficult to justify."
The Financial Strain of Royal Living
With Andrew no longer receiving the Sovereign Grant and relying on his naval pension, the financial burden of maintaining Royal Lodge has become a pressing concern. The property requires:
- Regular maintenance of its extensive grounds
- Upkeep of the historic building's structure
- Utility bills for the massive 30-room residence
- Staff costs for proper management
This comes at a time when Buckingham Palace itself is undergoing extensive renovations, putting additional strain on royal finances.
A Pattern of Controversy
The housing situation represents just the latest chapter in Andrew's troubled recent history. Since his disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019 and his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke has:
- Stepped back from royal duties
- Lost his military affiliations and royal patronages
- Settled a civil sexual assault case out of court
- Been effectively exiled from public royal life
The potential loss of his Windsor home would mark another significant reduction in his royal status, potentially forcing him into more modest accommodation.
What Comes Next for the Duke?
Royal commentators suggest several possible outcomes, from Andrew moving to Frogmore Cottage—previously home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—to potentially leaving the Windsor area altogether. The decision ultimately rests with the King, who must balance family loyalty with public perception and financial prudence.
As one royal expert noted, "This isn't just about property—it's about the very definition of what it means to be a working royal in the modern monarchy. The King's decision will send a powerful message about accountability and responsibility within the Royal Family."
