Duke of York Struggles to Maintain Windsor Estate Amid Calls to Relocate
Prince Andrew is under increasing pressure to vacate Royal Lodge, the £30 million Windsor estate he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The Duke of York is reportedly struggling to meet the property’s steep £500,000 annual upkeep, prompting his brother, King Charles, to urge him to move out.
Recent photos of the historic residence reveal significant signs of neglect, including peeling paint and black mold creeping along the exterior walls, raising concerns about the building’s condition.
In an exclusive with HELLO!, property expert Terry Fisher from We Buy Any Home shared his assessment of the deteriorating state of Royal Lodge, describing the estate as “crumbling.” Fisher highlighted visible issues such as mold-covered brickwork, peeling paint, and potential damp problems, indicating long-overdue maintenance that could lead to severe structural damage if left unaddressed.
According to Fisher, Prince Andrew could face repair costs “upwards of £250,000” to tackle the urgent issues. The necessary restoration work may involve brick repointing, waterproof treatments, extensive repainting, and potentially structural reinforcement due to water damage.
The historic nature of Royal Lodge adds to the complexity and expense of the repairs, as specialized restoration methods are required to preserve its character.
Prince Andrew has held a 73-year lease on Royal Lodge through the Crown Estate since 2003, which obligates him to cover the costs of maintenance and repairs. However, since stepping down from public duties in 2020 amid the fallout from his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke has faced financial strain after being stripped of his royal and military titles.
With the estate’s condition deteriorating and the pressure to relocate intensifying, Andrew’s future at Royal Lodge remains uncertain, as he grapples with mounting repair costs and diminishing financial support.
