The Royal Lodge’s exterior is displaying signs of deterioration, as depicted in recent images. Prince Andrew holds a secure tenancy at the property until August 2078, despite paying minimal rent over the past two decades. Concerns have been raised, prompting calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the rent-free arrangement.
Under the lease agreement, Prince Andrew is accountable for maintaining the opulent Royal Lodge within Windsor Great Park, covering annual expenses of approximately £250,000. However, visible in the photos are deteriorating paintwork, cracks, and black mold on the gatehouse and main property’s exterior walls.
Since acquiring the lease in 2003, Prince Andrew has resided at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Despite divorcing in 1996, his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, has continued to live there alongside him for the past 29 years.
Prince Andrew initially paid £1 million and subsequently invested around £7.5 million in essential renovations as per the lease terms. The overall cost is estimated to have reached nearly £10 million.
By adhering to these terms, Prince Andrew avoided an annual nominal rent of £260,000 and secured tenancy rights for his family until 2078, provided the lease conditions are upheld. The initial investment of £8.5 million translates to an annual cost of approximately £113,000 for 75 years, significantly lower than the current market rate.
The lease stipulates that Prince Andrew must address maintenance issues promptly, with the risk of eviction if he fails to comply after being given a chance to rectify. The images, recently published by the Daily Mail, suggest a lack of recent maintenance, echoing previous concerns highlighted in this report.
According to the Telegraph, Prince Andrew is required to repaint the exterior every five years with two coats of the same color, and refresh the interior every seven years. The lease also stipulates potential eviction for engaging in illegal or immoral activities on the property, although no such allegations have been made.
In a separate development, legislation allowing the King to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom is set to be introduced in the Commons. Prince Andrew announced last week his decision to refrain from using his Duke of York title to prevent detracting from the royal family’s activities, pending formal removal through an Act of Parliament.
York Central MP Rachael Maskell has proposed a new law granting the monarch the authority to remove titles, with provisions for recommendations from a joint parliamentary committee or at the title holder’s request. Ms. Maskell emphasized the urgency for Parliament to act on this matter, presenting the Removal of Titles Bill for consideration.