Prince Andrew is under increasing financial pressure as he faces the prospect of paying his own costs for the upkeep and security of Royal Lodge in Windsor. The Duke of York, who currently resides in the 30-room mansion with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, has been informed that substantial subsidies from King Charles III and the Royal Family will not continue indefinitely.
Royal Lodge, located in Windsor Great Park, has been leased to Prince Andrew by the Crown Estate until 2078. However, it is suggested that the Duke must now be self-financing to meet the high costs associated with maintaining the 19th Century listed building. If he cannot afford these expenses, he may be required to vacate the property.
The situation has been described as the “Siege of Royal Lodge,” with the pressure mounting as a new Amazon film about Prince Andrew’s 2019 Newsnight interview, which scrutinizes his connections to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is set to be released next week. The film is expected to renew public and media scrutiny of the Duke.
Sources indicate that the potential move from Royal Lodge is driven by financial pragmatism rather than family disagreements. At 63, Prince Andrew will need to plan for affordable accommodation for the future, considering both immediate and long-term needs. A possible relocation to a smaller property, such as Frogmore Cottage—which was previously used by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—has been suggested.
Should Prince Andrew be unable to privately fund the maintenance and security of Royal Lodge, the historic mansion could be used commercially by the Crown Estate, balancing security considerations with potential revenue.
The lease, which began in August 2003, required Prince Andrew to undertake significant renovation costs amounting to over £7.5 million at the time, a burden that was seen as preferable to the Crown Estate paying for repairs. The arrangement also included a one-off payment of £1 million and an option to buy out the annual rental for £2.5 million.
While the lease agreement prevents Prince Andrew from benefiting financially from any increase in the property’s value, it allows for the lease to be assigned to his daughters or widow. If he terminates the lease, it reverts to the Crown Estate. With only four years remaining on a clause that provides compensation for early termination, Prince Andrew would recover minimal amounts of the initial renovation costs.
As discussions continue, there is growing public pressure for a long-term solution regarding Prince Andrew’s accommodation, reflecting broader concerns about the financial feasibility and security implications of maintaining such a large property.