Fresh Pain at Royal Lodge for Prince Andrew as Cracks and Mould Spread Following Charles’ Decision to Cut £1 Million Allowance
New images have emerged revealing the deteriorating state of Prince Andrew’s 31-bedroom residence, the Royal Lodge in Windsor. The pictures depict signs of neglect with black mould, dampness, and peeling paint on the exterior walls and outbuildings. The Duke of York has resided at the property since 2003, inheriting it after the Queen Mother’s passing. This revelation comes amidst reports that King Charles has terminated Andrew’s annual £1 million allowance due to strained relations between the brothers.
At 64 years old, Andrew reportedly invested £7 million in refurbishing the Royal Lodge lease in 2003. Despite King Charles’ attempts to persuade Andrew to move to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke insists on remaining at the Royal Lodge. The property is valued at around £31 million and comes with its own dedicated security team even after the removal of Royal funding for his private security.
The Royal Lodge, nestled within Windsor Castle’s protective boundaries, includes 40 hectares of woodland and lawns, eight cottages, and accommodation for security personnel. Author Robert Hardman’s revised book, ‘Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story’, suggests that Andrew will be entrusted with safeguarding valuable art pieces and furniture borrowed from the Royal Collection. The book also speculates that Queen Elizabeth III would have compelled Andrew to vacate the Royal Lodge if she had lived another year.
Since his removal from Royal duties in 2020, Andrew has lost his charity patronages and military ties and is prohibited from using his HRH title in public. Despite financial setbacks and the cessation of his allowance, the Duke remains adamant about staying at the Royal Lodge, demonstrating his determination to shoulder the expenses independently.
In summary, Prince Andrew’s refusal to vacate the Royal Lodge despite the withdrawal of his annual allowance and the decay of the property reflects his strong attachment to the residence. The strained relationship between Andrew and King Charles adds a layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting the challenges within the royal family hierarchy. The future of Andrew’s tenure at the Royal Lodge remains uncertain, raising questions about his ongoing presence within the royal establishment.