Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, continues to reside at Royal Lodge, a Grade II-listed mansion located in Windsor Great Park, amid ongoing discussions regarding the future of his occupancy. As of 2025, reports have indicated that the property’s future remains a subject of review within the framework of Crown Estate lease arrangements and internal royal family logistics.
The Royal Lodge, which features approximately 30 rooms and expansive grounds, has served as Prince Andrew’s official residence since 2004. He secured a 75-year lease on the estate from the Crown Estate in 2003. According to UK government property laws, leaseholders such as Prince Andrew are responsible for the upkeep of Crown Estate properties under long-term agreements, including structural maintenance and renovations.
Source: Crown Estate (thecrownestate.co.uk)
Prince Andrew’s Lease and Responsibilities
Under the terms of his lease, Prince Andrew is obligated to fund the general maintenance and structural upkeep of Royal Lodge. As reported by multiple UK media outlets, including The Guardian and The Telegraph, he is understood to have invested approximately £7.5 million into renovations since taking over the lease in the early 2000s. These improvements primarily focused on internal restoration and modernization of the historically significant estate.
A 75-year lease generally includes clauses that detail both the rights and obligations of the leaseholder, including stipulations around the condition of the property. Any extensive external repairs, such as roof or façade restorations, often require both financial and logistical planning due to heritage preservation regulations.
Source: UK Government Leasehold Advisory Service, The Guardian
Financial Demands of Maintaining Royal Lodge
Royal Lodge is a substantial property with significant upkeep requirements. Estate agents and property consultants familiar with heritage homes have estimated that maintaining a residence of this size and age can cost several million pounds annually.
According to property consultant Robin Edwards of Curetons, speaking to the Scottish Daily Express, the annual operational costs for a property like Royal Lodge can exceed £5 million. This includes:
- Staffing costs: Employing a full estate team — including butlers, chefs, housekeepers, and groundskeepers — can range from £350,000 to £500,000 per year.
- Gardening and landscaping: A team of full-time gardeners may add another £150,000 to £250,000 annually.
- Maintenance and repair: General structural repairs, painting, and internal maintenance could range from £200,000 to £300,000 per year.
- Utilities: Heating, electricity, and water for a mansion of this scale might cost over £200,000 per year.
- Insurance and taxes: Covering the property, its contents, and public liability may require £50,000 to £100,000.
- Heritage conservation: To comply with Historic England guidelines, conservation efforts may cost an additional £100,000 to £200,000 annually.
Source: Scottish Daily Express, Historic England, PropertyWire UK
Discussions About a Future Move
In recent years, multiple British media sources including BBC News and The Times have reported that discussions have taken place within the royal household about Prince Andrew possibly relocating from Royal Lodge. One alternative suggested by media commentary is Frogmore Cottage, a smaller royal property formerly used by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
No official public confirmation has been made by Buckingham Palace regarding any formal eviction notice or forced relocation. However, changes in financial support from the royal household have been documented. In 2023, it was reported by The Telegraph and The Independent that King Charles III had discontinued an annual stipend formerly allocated to Prince Andrew, which reportedly amounted to £249,000 from the Sovereign Grant, in addition to reductions in other financial privileges.
These adjustments are consistent with King Charles III’s strategy to create a more streamlined, cost-conscious monarchy. According to statements from royal sources and BBC Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond, the monarch is focused on preserving the monarchy’s long-term sustainability, both financially and institutionally.
Source: BBC News, The Times, The Telegraph, Sovereign Grant Report (UK Government)
The Role of the Crown Estate and Lease Terms
Royal Lodge remains part of the Crown Estate, a collection of land and holdings managed independently of the reigning monarch. The Estate operates under UK Treasury guidelines and generates public revenue, contributing profits to the UK Government while a percentage (currently 25%) is allocated to the Sovereign Grant, which funds the monarchy’s official duties.
As the Crown Estate is not private royal property, but a public asset, decisions regarding lease enforcement, refurbishment funding, or changes in tenancy are subject to administrative and legal review. Leaseholders may be eligible for partial rebates or lease buyouts if lease terms are terminated early under specific conditions, though such matters remain private unless formally announced.
Source: The Crown Estate Annual Report, UK Treasury, National Audit Office
Royal Lodge’s Historical and Structural Significance
Royal Lodge has historical importance dating back to the 17th century, and it was once the official residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother until her death in 2002. The estate comprises several acres of landscaped gardens, staff quarters, and formal reception rooms. It is not open to the public, given its status as a private royal residence under long-term lease.
Preservation of such historic properties in the UK falls under Grade II listed status, meaning that any significant modifications or repairs must meet heritage protection standards. Property experts and historians agree that these requirements often increase both the complexity and cost of renovations.
Source: Historic England, Royal Collection Trust
Prince Andrew’s Public Role and Current Status
Since 2019, Prince Andrew has withdrawn from public royal duties following scrutiny over his past associations and a high-profile BBC Newsnight interview. In 2022, Buckingham Palace confirmed that he would no longer hold any military affiliations or royal patronages and would not undertake official engagements.
As of 2025, he remains a private citizen, without access to public funding through the Sovereign Grant, although he retains his ducal title and some ceremonial recognition as a member of the royal family.
Source: BBC News, Buckingham Palace Official Statement (January 2022)
Conclusion: Prince Andrew and the Future of Royal Lodge
As of mid-2025, Prince Andrew continues to reside at Royal Lodge under his existing lease agreement with the Crown Estate. While internal decisions about the long-term use and funding of royal residences continue to evolve under King Charles III’s reign, no official decision regarding a relocation has been announced.
Discussions around royal property and financial stewardship highlight broader efforts to modernize the monarchy and balance tradition with fiscal responsibility. The Duke of York’s future residence will likely remain subject to legal frameworks and heritage requirements, rather than informal public commentary.
Reputable Sources Consulted:
- The Crown Estate Annual Reports
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- The Telegraph
- Historic England
- UK Government Sovereign Grant Reports
- Scottish Daily Express
