Prince Andrew’s Clinging to What’s Left of His ‘Royal Power’ as Home Renovations Near: Report
Prince Andrew reportedly doesn’t want to move out of the Royal Lodge despite mounting renovation costs. Why? Because, apparently, it’s his “last real show of royal power.” Ahead, who’s stepped up to help the Duke of York, 64, keep the mansion. Hint: It’s not Andrew’s oldest sibling, King Charles III. Plus, what repairs—estimated to be in the six figures—must be done to prevent him from getting evicted.
Andrew has no plans to ever leave the Royal Lodge
A change of address won’t happen if Andrew can help it. Per an Express report, he never intends to call another property in the royal family’s extensive real estate portfolio home.
“Andrew is determined to hold onto Royal Lodge at any cost,” a source told the publication. He’s lived there since 2002, following the death of his grandmother, the Queen Mother.
The mansion, located in Windsor Great Park, has 30 rooms. Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice, 35, and Princess Eugenie, 34, even had their royal wedding receptions there. It’s also where Meghan Markle unexpectedly met Queen Elizabeth II for the first time in the early days of her relationship with Prince Harry.
“He [Andrew] will find the money from somewhere,” the source said in reference to Royal Lodge renovations. “It’s a status symbol for him, the last real show of royal power he has left. The only way he will leave that property is if he’s carried out in a wooden box.”
This comes after 2023 reports Andrew would have to leave the Royal Lodge and relocate to Frogmore Cottage, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex used to live.
Sarah Ferguson is helping Andrew with financing for Royal Lodge renovations
The insider went on to say Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 64, who has lived at the Royal Lodge since 2008, has helped with the situation.
They claimed the Duchess of York said she was in a “position” to “support [Andrew] and the rest of the family through” her “work,” allowing Andrew to keep the property. Since their 1996 divorce, Sarah has made money mainly as an author. Meanwhile, Andrew has no formal source of income.
“Sarah saying she was able to help support Andrew and cover the costs involved with repairing Royal Lodge was part of the reason why the king was happy to allow them to stay in the property,” the source explained.
As for the possibility of moving into Harry and Meghan’s former home, it’s something Andrew wants to avoid.
“Andrew doesn’t want to move into Frogmore Cottage as he sees it as a major step down,” the insider said. “The Yorks make use of the cottage anyway, for Beatrice or Eugenie when they visit with the children. But it’s not something they envision as a full-time residence. It’s not grand enough for Andrew.”
According to Express, the Royal Lodge has been a “significant financial burden” ever since Andrew signed a 75-year lease in 2003. The lease stipulated Andrew would be responsible for maintenance in exchange for “modest” rent totaling £250 a week, or roughly $317.
The catch, however, is that if Andrew doesn’t keep up the property, he could face eviction. King Charles reportedly gave Andrew a “stay of execution” after agreeing to cover repair costs believed to be around $2.5 million.
Meanwhile, Andrew’s already believed to have paid upwards of $254,000 for roof repairs in the summer of 2023 as an “interim payment.”
The Royal Lodge is nicknamed ‘The Money Pit’ after the 1986 Tom Hanks movie
More Royal Lodge renovations are set for the summer of 2024. The duke is reportedly footing the $25,000 bill for the exterior to be repainted.
“The exterior paintwork damage is minor,” the source said. “That sort of thing can only be repaired once the weather is warmer. So there are plans for external repairs in the next few months.” However, the home’s nickname doesn’t bode well for his wallet.
Staff at the Royal Lodge reportedly call it “The Money Pit” after the 1986 Tom Hanks movie of the same name.
“Everyone jokes that the property is a money pit and is just like the Tom Hanks film,” the source said. “Even Andrew himself can see the funny side. But he’s determined to find the money to maintain the property and see out the end of his lease.”
