Prince Andrew struggles to secure £2 million for Royal lodge renovations
Prince Andrew is under pressure to demonstrate his financial capability to manage essential renovations at Royal Lodge by the end of the year, or he risks losing his lease on the property. This development comes as the Crown Estate enforces its lease requirements which demand regular upkeep of the property.
The Duke of York finds himself in a precarious position after King Charles recently ceased all private financial support, including funding for Andrew’s security team, which is set to be discontinued this month. This move has reportedly left Andrew scrambling to secure the necessary funds for property maintenance.
A source disclosed to The Express that the Duke has been instructed to provide evidence of his financial arrangements to support the needed repairs at Royal Lodge. “Andrew has been asked to prove that he has the financial resources in place to conduct the necessary repairs to Royal Lodge,” said the insider. “If he can’t demonstrate this by the year’s end, formal discussions will commence with the Crown Estate on how to proceed.”
The situation underscores the most serious threat of eviction Prince Andrew has faced since he stepped down as a working royal over two years ago. He currently holds a lease agreement with the Crown Estate that permits him to occupy the £30 million Royal Lodge until 2078. However, this agreement comes with stringent conditions related to the upkeep and preservation of the 30-room residence, which must continue to serve as a Royal Park and forest.
As per the lease terms, the Duke is personally responsible for the costs of refurbishments necessary to restore and maintain the historic property. Recent observations have noted that Royal Lodge is in a state of considerable disrepair, with visible peeling paint and moss growth on its exterior, signaling the urgent need for renovations.
The escalating repair costs have already surpassed £2 million, underlining the critical need for intervention to preserve the structural and historical integrity of the estate. The coming months will be crucial for Prince Andrew as he navigates these financial and logistical challenges to secure his residence at Royal Lodge.