According to the insider, ‘loyal’ daughters Beatrice and Eugenie have hosted friends for shoots on the estate in recent weeks as they spend increasing amounts of time with their father. Recently, Andrew has been seen driving three-year-old Sienna Mapelli-Mozzi – Beatrice’s daughter, whom she shares with her husband, Edoardo – and helping her learn to ride in the grounds. One can only imagine that the Prince shares a similarly close bond with Eugenie’s two sons and, when Beatrice gives birth to her second child in the spring, the York family will presumably become even closer.
Although his life is worlds away from the one he enjoyed as a working royal, these days, the Duke still plays golf and is often seen riding in the grounds of Windsor. When his former wife Sarah, Duchess of York (with whom he still lives, nearly four decades after their divorce) is at home they walk their five Norfolk terriers and two of the late Queen’s Corgis on the estate.
How much time the Prince has left at Royal Lodge, however, remains to be seen. Andrew secured a 75-year lease on the property from the Crown Estate in 2003 and, with a substantial 54 years remaining, he seems intent on staying there – despite King Charles’ attempts to persuade him to downsize. Insiders claim that the King is keen for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, the one-time home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which would free Royal Lodge up for more senior royal tenants. Royal expert Gareth Russell told GB News that the Prince and Princess of Wales could be in line to inherit the house – but as they seem ‘content’ in their current home, Adelaide Cottage, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh could be primed to move in.
According to some reports, Prince Andrew has spent £7.5 million in the refurbishment and maintenance of Royal Lodge and its 93 acres, and is unwilling to move before he is forced. Besides, many have suggested that with no royal engagements, patronages or tours with which to occupy his time, Royal Lodge remains Prince Andrew’s last link to the life he once lived. ‘He’s got nothing else, he’s got no public life, he has no public role,’ royal author Robert Hardman told HELLO!’s podcast. ‘He is clearly devoted to this home and he likes being there, so if he can make it work, he’s going to try.’