Prince Andrew Plans to Pass Royal Lodge to Daughters Amid Dispute
Steve Parsons/Pool Photo via AP
Prince Andrew is planning changes to his royal residence amid ongoing discussions about vacating the property, it has been revealed. The Duke of York, currently residing in the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate, is considering nominating his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to take over the estate. The 30-bedroom property, valued at approximately £30 million, would thus go to his heirs in the event of Andrew’s death.
These plans come as Andrew faces exile from public life due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the infamous child sex trafficker. Andrew was accused of sexually assaulting one of Epstein’s clients, resulting in the loss of his military titles and a significant public backlash.
As Per Reports Daily Express, the Duke is required to “repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild” the mansion and is forced to “paint with at least two coats of paint and to paper, polish, decorate and otherwise appropriately treat.”
King Charles is reportedly urging his younger brother to leave the Crown Estate in an effort to minimize his public impact. Despite the ongoing discussions, no formal decision has been made regarding Andrew’s residence at the Royal Lodge.
The Royal Lodge, a Grade II listed property, has been Andrew’s home for over two decades. Initially granted a lease by the Crown Estate in 2003, the Duke undertook extensive renovations, estimated to cost around £7.5 million. The property holds significant sentimental value for Andrew and his daughters, making the current discussions particularly sensitive.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who both maintain a low profile compared to other senior royals, are believed to be supportive of their father’s plans. The two sisters have always had a close bond with their father and consider the Royal Lodge their family home.
However, the move to transfer the residence to his daughters is seen by some as a strategy to retain control over the property amid mounting pressure from the Crown. King Charles’s push for Andrew to leave the estate is part of a broader effort to streamline the monarchy and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.
