Temperatures are at a record high as red weather warnings sweep central and southern parts of England. Many of us are digging out and dusting off the fan from the loft and blowing up the paddling pool, while many celebrities and royals have the luxury of outdoor pools. King Charles’ disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will be kicking himself that he no longer has access to an impressive outdoor pool to cool off in as he kissed goodbye to that the day he relinquished his Royal Lodge Keys in February.
The pool is a lesser-known feature of Royal Lodge, the Windsor residence that was once shared by Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The pool hasn’t been photographed recently, but a rare, black-and-white photograph from 1942 shows King George VI, Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II), and Princess Margaret collecting water from the outdoor feature. If maintained, the pool likely served as a wonderful feature for Andrew and Sarah’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, alongside other unique property amenities like Eugenie’s personalised tree swing and a fully functional, historic Wendy house gifted to Queen Elizabeth II as a child.
King George VI, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret collect water from a swimming pool at the Royal Lodge
11th April 1942: Princess Elizabeth helping her father, King George VI (1895 – 1952) with a swimming pool stirrup pump, at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, whilst Princess Margaret (1930 – 2002) and Queen Elizabeth look on. (Getty Images)
Other royal swimming pools
Buckingham Palace’s pool house
Did you know that King Charles’ Buckingham Palace has a secret indoor swimming pool? It was originally commissioned by King George VI in 1938, who wanted to ensure the privacy of his daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, who had been having swimming lessons at the Bath Club.
Although the pool is often used by senior royals now, including Prince William and Kate, it can also be used by members of the Staff Sports Club, provided it doesn’t clash with one of the royal’s swims.
MORE
Buckingham Palace’s pool wasn’t just a place to swim when King Charles (then Prince Charles) was growing up, as he used the water to sail model boats and reportedly even invited his school friends to join in.
Where does Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor live now?
Andrew now lives in Marsh Farm in Sandringham (UK Press via Getty Images)
When Andrew was forced to relinquish the keys to Royal Lodge, he relocated to King Charles’ Sandringham Estate. First, he stayed at Wood Farm while his permanent home, Marsh Farm, was being renovated. It is a five-bedroom converted farmhouse and luxury features include a new kitchen and stables outside for Andrew’s horses. As well as Andrew’s arrest under suspicion of misconduct in public office, he also suffered a terrifying incident on his new estate where he was confronted by a disgruntled member of the public who was brandishing a weapon.