Unlikely couple could move into Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge home in Windsor
Since Prince Andrew stepped back from his Royal duties amid the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal - in which he strongly denies any wrongdoing - he's managed to keep his residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor. But it has been suggested that King Charles might want his brother to consider a more modest abode, possibly Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
While many eyes are on the Prince and Princess of Wales as potential new residents for the grand Royal Lodge, it seems William and Kate are quite settled at their charming Adelaide Cottage. This leaves the door open for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to be next in line if Prince Andrew decides to vacate.
Back in 2003, Prince Andrew secured a lengthy 75-year lease for Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate, with a good 54 years still to go.
Royal expert Gareth Russell dished out his insights to GB News, highlighting the significance of Royal Lodge. He said: "Royal Lodge has a high-profile history within the Royal Family. Bear in mind, it was the last home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. So it's traditionally been assigned to senior royals."
Gareth also noted that Prince William might not be too keen on moving house again, adding: "The logical choice, of course, would be the Prince and Princess of Wales, but they've shown relatively little interest in moving home again. They seem quite content where they are. It could be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh."
Friends of Prince Andrew have revealed that he has invested over £7.5million in refurbishing and maintaining the Royal Lodge and its 93 acres. GB News reported that the Duke of York is currently refusing to vacate the Royal Lodge, with plans to transfer his lease to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie after his passing.
Since relocating to the 30-room mansion in 2003, Andrew has shared the residence with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and their daughters Princess Eugenie. Even after the princesses moved out, Andrew and Sarah reportedly continued to reside in the property, despite separating in 1992 and finalising their divorce four years later.
The Royal Lodge boasts 30 rooms and 21 private areas, along with a vast garden, with a Gothic drawing room at the heart of the home.
Prince Edward, 60, and his wife Sophie, 59, have resided in Bagshot Park since they tied the knot in 1999. However, Gareth also hinted that the Royal Lodge may not have occupants in the coming years.
He added: "It could also be that this is part of another move by the King to slim down or shake up the royal property portfolio. It's not the case that we're seeing them being replaced by other royals as much as they were in the past."
"So it may be that Royal Lodge is just put to different use once Prince Andrew leaves. It's possible that no one will go into Royal Lodge."
Gareth revealed that when Royal residences are left empty, it "doesn't necessarily" imply they'll be filled by other royals, unlike during the late Queen Elizabeth II's era. Sarah Ferguson recently addressed rumours about being asked to leave Royal Lodge on Good Morning Britain, stating: "I'm a very lucky guest... but I tend not to get involved in brothers' discussions and I think that's the safest place to be. Let the brothers discuss it themselves."
