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Prince Andrew has called the lavish Royal Lodge estate home for nearly 20 years, occupying the 30-bedroom property along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson under a 75-year lease agreement. However, his tenure at the grand mansion may soon be coming to an end as mounting financial pressures and a directive from King Charles threaten to force the Duke of York out. As Andrew searches for an alternative residence and braces for the potential loss of his private security funding, the future of Royal Lodge and its next occupant also remain shrouded in mystery.
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Royal Lodge was once the home of the late Queen Mother and holds deep historical significance for the royal family. Located within Windsor Great Park, the 90-acre estate valued at around £30 million provides a truly opulent lifestyle. However, its upkeep comes with massive annual costs estimated at £400,000, in addition to the £3 million expenditure on security each year. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2019 amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Andrew has lost access to the financial support provided to senior working royals. This has placed increasing strain on his ability to maintain the lavish lifestyle at Royal Lodge without outside assistance.
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King Charles is reportedly encouraging Andrew to vacate the property and make way for a more economical living situation. It has been reported that the King also plans to withdraw the Duke's private security funding as soon as next month, adding further pressure to find alternative accommodations. While Andrew is said to be determined to remain at Royal Lodge, most observers believe relocating would be the wisest choice given his current circumstances. Without adequate means to cover the colossal costs, his continued occupancy appears increasingly untenable.
One potential new home that briefly appeared to be an option was a charming £4.25 million townhouse in London's upscale Belgravia neighborhood owned by Sarah Ferguson. As the couple maintain a close relationship despite their divorce, the property was seen as a perfect alternative residence for Andrew. However, Fergie has now leased the townhouse for £6,000 per month, ruling it out. A palace source noted the missing opportunity, stating "Moving to a luxurious townhouse is a dream for many and it would save the Yorks £200,000 a year. It's a no-brainer."
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With his most viable option now unavailable, Andrew faces dwindling choices as the pressure to vacate Royal Lodge intensifies. With Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also listed as co-owners, the Belgravia townhouse appeared financially sustainable using inherited funds. But the rental agreement removes this prospect, leaving the Duke in need of a new solution. While Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate remains a potential favored choice by the royal institution, Andrew's alternatives appear increasingly limited.
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Intriguingly, speculation has emerged that King Charles may have another reason for wanting Andrew out of Royal Lodge beyond reducing costs - making way potentially for future occupancy by Queen Consort Camilla. Several observers note that Charles likely sees the historic estate as a fitting future home for Camilla should she outlive him one day. As the wife of the King and expected to become Queen Consort, Royal Lodge with its grandeur and royal ties would be an eminently suitable residence for Camilla in her later years or widowhood. The theory certainly provides a plausible motivation for Charles' moves against Andrew beyond financial or security considerations alone.
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Whether purely financial or with an eye on Camilla's future, the implications are the same - Andrew's days at the lavish property are likely numbered barring an unexpected change. With alternative living arrangements slipping from his grasp and security funding under threat, the Duke finds himself in an increasingly precarious position. The combined pressures from his brother the King and ongoing scrutiny over his association with Epstein appear poised to force Andrew's eventual departure from Royal Lodge after two decades of residency.
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For now, both Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are staying at Balmoral Castle, the Scottish estate of King Charles, for their annual summer holiday amongst the traditional royal events of grouse shooting, salmon fishing and countryside picnics. But it is unlikely the usual family retreat provides any respite from the challenging situation back home regarding Andrew's future living situation. Ongoing private talks between the brothers are believed to center on this pressing issue, with the Duke hoping to delay or avoid losing the only British home he has known as an adult. Regardless of Andrew's desires however, the prospects of his continued occupancy at the historic Royal Lodge appear to be diminishing by the day
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