Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will not be receiving a six-figure sum in compensation from the Crown Estate. This decision comes as new reports indicate that he’s readying to vacate the Royal Lodge, a lavish 30-room mansion on the Windsor estate. In an effort to evict his disgraced brother, King Charles has reportedly ordered Prince Andrew to leave the 30-room property. Since 2003, it’s been his home.
Royal Lodge is owned by the Crown Estate and sits on an extensive 40-hectare (99-acre) estate. It is home to some truly eye-catching amenities such as a swimming pool, an aviary, six lodge cottages and even constabularies for police officers who guard the royal family. Prince Andrew purchased the property nearly two decades ago for £1 million. Bestowed a 75-year lease by the late Queen Elizabeth II, he is able to live there in perpetuity until the lease expires on June 15, 2078.
The Royal Lodge now sits in a state of disrepair. This state of affairs has heavily shaped the decision around compensation. The Crown Estate stated that “in all likelihood that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will not be owed any compensation for early surrender of the lease … once dilapidations are taken into account.” Any possible compensation is contingent on the state of the property. It is dependent on the upkeep duties included in the leasing contract.
This latest flap comes as Prince Andrew is under fire for his longstanding ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Following these scandals, he’s about to lose his “prince” status. King Charles is said to be planning privately funded lodgings for him. Royal patronage These accommodations will be on the Sandringham estate, some 100 miles north of London.
An inquiry into the Crown Estate’s property leases with the royal family, including Prince Andrew’s lease of the Royal Lodge, is expected to unfold in the coming months. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, a member of parliament involved in examining these matters, expressed his anticipation regarding the inquiry:
“Having reflected on what we have received, the information provided clearly forms the beginnings of a basis for an inquiry.” – Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
He further noted that they “now await the conclusions the NAO (National Audit Office) will draw from this information, and plan to hold an inquiry based on the resulting evidence base in the new year.”
Prince Andrew reportedly prepares to vacate the Royal Lodge. This is a pivotal time in his life, a reflection of his own journey and the transformation taking place within the royal family.
