INSIDE PRINCE ANDREW'S 30-ROOM MANSION ROYAL LODGE

  • The Duke of York has refused to leave and move to Frogmore Cottage 
  • He signed a 75-year lease and promised to repair the crumbling mansion

Photos have revealed the state of Prince Andrew's 30-room mansion which has fallen into disrepair amid an ongoing feud between the Duke and King Charles. 

The Duke of York has lived in Royal Lodge for almost 20 years but his residence is now under threat amid fears King Charles will evict him from the 98-acre estate.

Prince Andrew has reportedly refused to leave property, which is thought to be worth £30million and promised King Charles he would take care of its expensive repairs - despite having no apparent source of income.

But the the King is reportedly becoming increasingly tired and frustrated at his brother's refusal to leave to care for the mansion at the heart of Windsor Park.

The King apparently wants his younger brother to move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage amid rumours the Prince of Wales is keen to take up residence in the mansion to reflect his role as heir to the throne.

Andrew first moved into the large mansion in 2004 and now lives there with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. 

He signed a 75-year lease, paying £250 a week and agreeing to maintain the vast property.

Part of the terms of this alleged deal with his older brother was that he would carry out repair works on the 19th century, Grade II-listed house, but these do not appear to have been done yet. 

It was reported that Andrew, who was forced to quit royal duties over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, may have his royal allowance of £249,000 cut, making it difficult for the Duke to fulfill his promises.

He reportedly told his friends that such a drastic change to his finances would mean he would not be able to cover the costs of the estate

Despite his possible money worries, sources close to the Duke said back in January: 'Andrew is going nowhere. He has a cast iron lease.' 

The Mail revealed last year that the King had offered his younger brother a more modest property but Andrew reportedly saw this as a 'demotion' too far.

The Royal Lodge sits in the heart of Windsor Park, three miles south of Windsor Castle and is part of the Crown Estate.

It was previously the residence of the Queen Mother from 1952 until her death in 2002.

The 17th century lodge has 30 rooms including seven bedrooms across two floors.

It has a large formal drawing room and a saloon as well as the original conservatory.

Prince Andrew leased the Royal Lodge almost 20 years ago from the Crown Estate for a £1million one-off payment.

So far the Duke has spent roughly £7million of his won fortunes on renovating the property meaning he has spent almost £40million since 2003 despite the property not being worth £30million if put on the market today. 

The repair work ahs included £200,000 for roof maintenance and work to solve a damp problem throughout the property. 

In 2018, Andrew's youngest daughter Princess Eugenie held her wedding reception at the Royal Lodge, after her wedding to Jack Brooksbank.

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2024-05-05T20:28:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd