Prince Andrew is facing criticism over the state of his £30 million Royal Lodge mansion, a historic 30-room property in Windsor Great Park.
The Grade II-listed estate, once home to the Queen Mother, is reportedly falling into disrepair, with maintenance issues affecting both the building and its surrounding 21-acre gardens. The Duke of York is said to be struggling to meet the £400,000 annual upkeep costs, leading to a growing financial burden.
The mansion features six lodge cottages, a gardeners’ cottage, and a Chapel Lodge, but its grandeur has reportedly been overshadowed by its neglected condition. Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, a gardener with decades of experience at Kensington Palace, described the gardens as being in such poor shape that restoring them would be “quite impossible.” Speaking to the press, he admitted, “It is in a shocking state. I won’t be knocking that into shape!”
Prince Andrew, who lives at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, is reportedly determined to remain in the property despite pressure from King Charles to move to a more modest residence, such as Frogmore Cottage. Andrew also hopes to pass the home down to his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, despite mounting maintenance challenges.
Last year, rumors circulated that the Duke had received financial assistance from an anonymous benefactor to help cover the costs of living at the property. However, tensions remain high between Andrew and King Charles, with the King reportedly urging his brother to downsize.
Royal commentator Emily Andrews explained on Channel 5’s documentary The Battle for Royal Lodge: Andrew vs Charles that the disagreement shows no signs of resolution. “It is a stand-off,” she said. “Andrew will want to remain at Royal Lodge for as long as he possibly can.”
Meanwhile, royal experts have suggested alternative uses for the estate. Jennie Bond, another commentator, proposed that the property could eventually become a suitable home for the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, noting its size and prestigious location as ideal for their family.
If Andrew were to vacate the mansion, King Charles could potentially benefit from renting it out through the Crown Estate. Until then, Royal Lodge remains a point of contention within the royal family and a symbol of the financial and logistical challenges that come with maintaining historic estates.
