Royal Lodge is shrouded in uncertainty(Image: REX/Shutterstock)The future of Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge is shrouded in uncertainty.
After stepping down from public duties in May 2020 and subsequently losing his patronages due to his association with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, questions linger about whether he should continue living at the grand Windsor estate – and how he can afford it.
His brother, the King, has reportedly been urging Andrew to leave the 30-room property for a smaller, more suitable abode. Currently, only Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson live at Royal Lodge, as their daughters have moved out to start their own families.
Andy may get the boot(Image: AFP via Getty Images)This has sparked widespread speculation about who might take up residence at the Windsor estate if Andrew chooses to depart.
Earlier reports suggested Prince William and Kate could be offered the seven-bedroom Royal residence as a family home for them and their three children. However, this seems unlikely; experts point out that the couple appears content at their current home, Adelaide Cottage, in Windsor Great Park.
Adelaide Cottage is set up as a family house without any live-in staff. A move to the expansive Royal Lodge would necessitate accommodating domestic staff, something William and Kate are believed to be against, reports the Mirror.
With this in consideration, Charles may offer the 30-room mansion to another notable couple.
Gareth Russell, a royal author, previously shared his insights with GB News on who might be the best fit to occupy Royal Lodge. He highlighted the property’s illustrious past – it was the final residence of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother – and its tradition of housing senior royals.
King Charles III is reportedly looking to rent the Royal Lodge(Image: PA)He suggested: “The logical choice, of course, would be the Prince and Princess of Wales, but they’ve shown relatively little interest in moving home again. They seem quite content where they are. It could be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.”
Edward and Sophie have resided at Bagshot Park since their nuptials in 1999. The Grade II-listed mansion, nestled within 51 acres of land and boasting a staggering 120 rooms, was demolished and rebuilt in 1879.
Whether they decide to relocate is yet to be determined. However, Russell proposed another possibility.
“It could also be that this is part of another move by the King to slim down or shake up the royal property portfolio,” the royal author suggested.
“It’s not the case that we’re seeing them being replaced by other royals as much as they were in the past. So it may be that Royal Lodge is just put to different use once Prince Andrew leaves. It’s possible that no one will go into Royal Lodge.”
King Charles is reportedly nudging his younger brother to pack it in and move into Frogmore Cottage – the old digs of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It’s believed Andrew is not happy about leaving his posh pad and is turning up his nose at other gaffs, clinging to a “cast-iron lease”.