Prince Andrew's future at Royal Lodge home - one thing could still seal his eviction

The Duke of York's fall from grace has been well-documented, with his apparent determination to stay at his Royal Lodge home in Windsor being the latest bone of contention. In line with King Charles' plans to downsize the monarchy, Prince Andrew was offered a move from his mansion to the more compact Frogmore Cottage, recently refurbished by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously spoke to OK! about Andrew and the King's dilemma, saying that Andrew should accept his brother's "sensible" offer and move to a "property he can afford". As the row continues to simmer away, OK! spoke to Terry Fisher, chief executive of We Buy Any Home, about Andrew's future at Royal Lodge.

On whether Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie would ever be able to inherit the home from their father, Terry said: "While it’s reported that Prince Andrew has a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge, the ability to pass this property to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie as an inheritance isn’t guaranteed. Because Royal Lodge is part of the Crown Estate, the final decision over succession or lease assignment would typically require Crown Estate approval, and possibly the King’s assent.

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"If Andrew were to vacate the property, either by choice or by circumstances, the Crown Estate and King Charles could choose to end the lease, assign it to another royal, or even open it up for new arrangements within the Royal Family.

“King Charles, as head of the royal household, would have considerable influence in this decision. Although the King doesn’t directly control Crown Estate properties, he can certainly play a role in determining which royals reside in them.

"This means that if Charles has alternative plans for Royal Lodge, he could prevent it from being passed on to Andrew’s daughters. Ultimately, any arrangement to extend or alter the lease terms would need to be mutually agreed upon with the Crown Estate and possibly influenced by the King’s vision for future royal residences.”

While Royal Lodge has a rich and fascinating history, much of which is tied to the life of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, recent pictures highlighted the home's state of disrepair. "The upkeep of Royal Lodge, as with any historical property, is extensive and costly," the expert points out.

"Historic estates demand ongoing repairs, climate control, and specialised care to address inevitable wear, all of which are costly and time-consuming. Without the financial backing previously afforded to working royals, Andrew could find these costs a growing strain. And, as we’ve seen in recent photos, neglecting issues like damp or structural wear can lead to worsening problems and higher costs down the line."

Then, referring to how renegotiations if the he fails in its upkeep could seal Andrew's fate, Terry adds: "The Crown Estate may expect Royal Lodge to remain in a condition befitting its heritage status, so failing to meet these standards could lead to interventions, possibly even lease renegotiations if the property’s preservation comes into question."

As for what the future has in store for the royal residence, it is clear that King Charles will have the final say. "Given the property’s connection to the Crown Estate, King Charles could indeed influence whether Royal Lodge passes to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie," Terry explains.

"While Andrew may wish for his daughters to inherit the lease, the final say over who occupies Crown properties often involves the monarch’s guidance or approval. Charles has a strategic view on royal residences, and if his vision doesn’t align with Andrew’s wishes, he could recommend the Crown Estate consider alternative uses or residents.

"Historically, Crown Estate properties like Royal Lodge aren’t automatically inherited like privately-owned estates. If Charles envisions Royal Lodge serving a different purpose within the family, he could effectively block the transfer by aligning with Crown Estate protocols. In this way, while Andrew holds the lease, the ultimate decision-making rests with the Crown Estate and the monarchy, making future residency decisions largely dependent on the royal family’s needs and vision at the time."

Since 2004, Andrew has resided at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, which he now shares with his former wife Sarah Ferguson. Before he moved in, it was a much-loved retreat for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

King George VI's widow made several additions to the property and it also features a mini cottage or Wendy house called Y Bwthyn Bach, which was gifted to the late Queen - then Princess Elizabeth - in 1932. Even after the King died in 1952, it was still used as a grace and favour home by the Queen Mother up until she died there in March 2002, with the late Queen by her side.

Following the Queen Mother's death, Royal Lodge was leased to Prince Andrew. Along with the main house, the lease included the Gardener's Cottage, the Chapel Lodge, six Lodge Cottages, police security accommodation and a whopping 40 hectares of land.