Prince Andrew has to repaint his Royal Lodge at Windsor with two coats of paint every five years, new documents show, as King Charles is said to threaten to sever ties with the duke if he refuses to move.
The disgraced Duke of York was due to be completed last year, but photos of the building show exposed bricks under peeling paint on the royal estate.
Andrew, who no longer has official duties after being forced to resign over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, shares the 30-bedroom, £30million mansion with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York.
The royal’s 73-year lease with the Crown Estate, which she signed in 2003, says she has the responsibility to “repair, renovate, maintain, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild” the home.
This includes repainting its exterior walls every five years with “two coats of paint” starting in 2008 and redecorating the interior every seven years starting in 2010.
The royal’s 73-year lease with the Crown Estate of the Windsor Royal Lodge (pictured) says it has the responsibility to “repair, renovate, maintain, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild” the house .
The disgraced Duke of York was due to be completed last year, but photos of the building show exposed bricks under peeling paint on the royal estate.
A friend of King Charles claims he has threatened to sever ties with Prince Andrew if the duke continues to refuse to leave Royal Lodge for his new home at Frogmore Cottage. Pictured: The brothers at a Thanksgiving service to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
This means that the exterior decoration was to have been completed last year, while the interior work will be done this year.
The document – which has been seen by The times – dictates that you must “paint with at least two coats of paint and properly wallpaper, polish, decorate and treat” the interior walls of the building.
Beatrice’s husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, CEO of a real estate and interior design company, is said to have attempted to “convert” Andrew and Fergie’s extravagant design tastes and collecting habits into “something much more manageable.”
Andrew signed the lease, paying £250 a week and agreeing to maintain the huge property.
Claims emerged last year that Andrew was unable to cover the £400,000 annual upkeep of the Royal Lodge, believed to be worth £30m.
The duke was reportedly told he would have to leave the property.
The newspaper reports that the property appears to have always been a money pit, and some believe nearby bomb explosions during World War II may have disturbed its foundations.
It was reported in October that he was granted “a stay of execution” after he made a deal with the king to carry out repair work on the Grade II-listed 19th-century property.
The exterior decoration was to have been completed last year, while the interior work should be completed this year.
The stunning royal estate is nestled amongst trees and woodland in the heart of Windsor Park, just three miles south of Windsor Castle.
Andrew was granted “a stay of execution”, it was reported in October, after he made a deal with the king to carry out repair work on the Grade II listed 19th century property.
But now a friend of King Charles claims he has threatened to sever ties with Prince Andrew if the duke continues to refuse to leave Royal Lodge for his new home at Frogmore Cottage.
The King has long been trying to get his brother, who has no apparent source of income, to leave the mansion of Windsor amid rumors that the Prince of Wales is interested in taking up residence at the property to reflect his role as heir to the throne.
While sources close to the King said he is willing to pay for his brother to live comfortably with his private funds from the Duchy of Lancaster, the level of funding must be appropriate.
A friend of the king told The Times: “Unfortunately, if Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable time frame, then the king could be forced to re-evaluate the entire support package he is providing and the duke would be forced to fund most of it.” of money”. his own security, accommodation and lifestyle, something which, given the sums involved, is highly unlikely to be possible in the long term.
“Everyone is aware of their well-being and has their best interests at heart, but patience and tolerance have limits.”
Following the king’s continued attempts to evict Andrew from Royal Lodge, a friend said: “As things stand, life at Royal Lodge will become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke.”
Andrew’s downsizing to live at Frogmore Cottage would mean significant savings, and the King’s friends said he would still pay for mobile security, but would not have to provide static security for the building.
Those who know Frogmore Cottage, which used to house the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said it is in good condition thanks to the work done by Harry and Meghan before their move to the US.
Andrew reportedly refused to leave the property, leaving King Charles tired and frustrated.
Frogmore Cottage (pictured), previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan, has been suggested as a possible alternative, but the duke does not want to move.
Recent 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 Charles.
Andrew first moved into the grand mansion in 2004 and now lives there with his ex-wife Sarah.
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 he would not be able to 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 estate, 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.