Photos have revealed the state of Prince Andrew’s 30-bedroom mansion, which has fallen into disrepair amid an ongoing dispute between the duke and King Charles.
The Duke of York has lived at Royal Lodge for almost 20 years, but his residence is now under threat over fears that King Charles will evict him from the 98-acre property.
Prince Andrew has reportedly refused to leave the property, which is believed to be worth £30 million, and promised king charles he would take care of their expensive repairs, despite having no apparent source of income.
But the king is reportedly growing increasingly tired and frustrated by his brother’s refusal to leave to look after the mansion in the heart of Windsor Park.
The King reportedly wants his younger brother to move into tiny Frogmore Cottage amid rumors that the Prince of Wales is interested in taking up residence in the mansion to reflect his role as heir to the throne.
Photos show paint crumbling and cracks forming on the walls of Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge home.
Other parts of the building in Windsor appear to have deep stains in the white paint despite the Duke’s promise as part of the lease to renovate the property.
Andrew, who took over the late Queen Mother’s home on a long-term lease, is said to have paid more than £7.5million of his own fortune for renovations.
Prince Andrew has lived in the 30-bedroom mansion since taking over the lease in 2003 and now resides there with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Despite signing a 75-year lease, the King is considering evicting his brother from the mansion and moving him to tiny Frogmore Cottage.
Andrew first moved into the grand 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 huge property.
Part of the terms of this alleged agreement with his older brother was that he would carry out repair work on the Grade II-listed 19th-century house, but this does not appear to have been done yet.
It was reported that Andrew, who was forced to step down from royal duties over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, could have his £249,000 royal allowance cut, making it harder for the duke to deliver on his promises.
He reportedly told friends that such a drastic change in his finances would mean that could not cover the costs of the estate.
Despite his potential financial concerns, sources close to the duke said in January: “Andrew is not going anywhere.” 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 too great a “demotion.”
The Royal Lodge is located in the heart of Windsor Park, three miles south of Windsor Castle and is part of the Crown Estate.
The exterior of the building is covered in peeling paint and needs to be sanded and repainted.
Parts of the building have turned gray where they were previously a bright, iconic white.
Prince Andrew reportedly refused to leave the property, leaving King Charles tired and frustrated.
Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan, was suggested as a possible alternative, but the duke felt it would be a downgrade.
The stunning royal estate is nestled amongst trees and woodland in the heart of Windsor Part, just three miles south of Windsor Castle.
Royal Lodge is currently Prince Andrew’s main residence, but is in need of serious repairs which the Duke may not be able to fund if the King cuts his £249,000 royal allowance.
Royal Lodge has been Prince Andrew’s family home for more than 20 years and Princess Eugenie (pictured) held her wedding reception there following her nuptials to Jack Brooksbank.
It was previously the residence of the Queen Mother from 1952 until her death in 2002.
This 17th-century hostel has 30 rooms, including seven bedrooms, spread over two floors.
It has a large formal drawing room and drawing room, as well as the original conservatory.
Prince Andrew leased the Royal Lodge almost 20 years ago from the Crown Estate for a one-off payment of £1 million.
So far, the Duke has spent approximately £7 million of his earned fortune renovating the property, meaning he has spent almost £40 million since 2003 even though the property would not be worth £30 million if it were put up for sale today. .
The repair works included £200,000 towards roof maintenance and work to resolve a damp problem across the property.
In 2018, Andrew’s youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie, held her wedding reception at the Royal Lodge, following her wedding to Jack Brooksbank.