Royal Lodge, Former Home of Prince Andrew, Offered for Lease
Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park that was home to Prince Andrew for over two decades, is now being offered for lease starting in October, according to multiple reports. The property, which the former Duke of York vacated earlier this year, is owned by the Crown Estate and comes with significant responsibilities for any prospective tenant.
Andrew, the brother of King Charles, moved out of the residence in February, initially to Wood Farm, before settling at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. His departure followed years of controversy related to his friendship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, which led to him being stripped of his titles and coming under pressure from the King to leave the property.
According to a source quoted by The Mail on Sunday, the Crown Estate, as a business entity, is relieved that Andrew did not relinquish his lease early. "The Crown Estate is a business, so the bean counters there are relieved Andrew didn't give up his lease early, as the ongoing costs would have become their obligation, not Andrew's," the source said.
Andrew remains legally responsible for the property until October, despite having moved out, and the Crown Estate will decide its future after that point. The estate, which is a Grade II-listed building, includes additional buildings, cottages, lodges, security accommodation, a swimming pool, and approximately 40 hectares of land.
Prospective tenants will have to undergo strict security checks, as reported by both the Daily Express and PerthNow. They will also need to cover the considerable cost of maintaining the estate, with annual upkeep estimated at around £400,000, according to The Times, as cited by the Daily Express. PerthNow reported a figure of approximately $750,000 AUD per year.
The Royal Chapel of All Saints, built in 1825, sits within the grounds of Royal Lodge and will remain accessible to the royal family, as any tenant would have to grant them entry. The chapel has been the site of family events, including the wedding of Princess Beatrice in 2020.
Royal Lodge has been a significant royal residence for generations. It was used as a country retreat by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and later became the home of the Queen Mother, who lived there until her death in 2002. Andrew signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003, after his grandmother's passing, and spent millions refurbishing it.
The future of Royal Lodge as a royal home has been a subject of speculation. Reports indicate that no other member of the royal family has expressed interest in taking over the lease. Previous rumors suggested the Prince and Princess of Wales might move there, but Kensington Palace dismissed these, with the family settling at Forest Lodge nearby.
As the Crown Estate moves to lease the property, the decision on who will next call Royal Lodge home rests with those who can meet the security and financial requirements. The estate's rich history and royal connections make it a unique residence, though the costs and access arrangements may limit its appeal to a select few.
The move marks a significant change for the former Duke of York, who had lived at Royal Lodge for over two decades. He has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday in February, though no charges have been brought.
With the lease available from October, the Crown Estate is now tasked with finding a suitable tenant for a property that combines historic significance with substantial upkeep demands. The coming weeks will likely reveal more about who might take on this unique royal residence.