The fate of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former royal residence, Royal Lodge, hangs in the balance as the ex-prince vacates the property in Windsor Great Park. With a 30-room mansion, leased by the Crown Estate, set to become available for rent from October, the future of this historic home is uncertain. The incoming tenant will face rigorous security checks and significant financial commitments to maintain the property, estimated to cost £400,000 annually. The leaseholder must also grant the royal family access to the Royal Chapel of All Saints, a venue with a rich history, including Princess Beatrice's wedding and the joint baptism of Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall's sons. The Royal Lodge has a storied past, having been the home of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and later the residence of Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, until their eviction in February 2026. The couple's departure follows Andrew's legal troubles, including his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office and his connection to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The future of the Lodge remains uncertain, with no clear indication of who will take on the lease and the potential for further changes in the royal family's dynamics.
