There is speculation that the Royal Lodge could become home to another royal if Prince Andrew faces eviction from his Windsor residence. Amid financial concerns over the costs of maintaining the 30-bedroom home, thought to be worth £30 million, King Charles is reportedly planning to withdraw private funding for security on the estate, which currently costs £3 million a year, the Daily Mail reported.
This could force the Duke of York to move out unless he can generate the financial resources needed for repairs and security.
King Charles’ decision to stop funding security adds to the financial pressure that Prince Andrew, 64, faced last year when struggling to meet the £400,000-a-year upkeep costs for the Royal Lodge.
The Crown Estate, which owns the property, deems it appropriate for Royal Lodge to remain under the Royal Family‘s occupancy. This situation has led to friends of the Yorks suggesting another reason behind the eviction.
Daily Mail’s editor, Richard Eden, wrote in his column, “Intriguingly, more than one friend of the Yorks has suggested the same theory to me as to why this eviction ‘campaign’ has begun,” the Daily Mail’s diary editor wrote. “Could it be that the King sees Royal Lodge as a potential future home for Queen Camilla, were she to outlive him?”
Back in 2003, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson paid £1 million for a 75-year lease on the property. Despite their divorce in 1996, the couple still live at Royal Lodge, each occupying different wings. The Duke and Duchess of York are currently at Balmoral Castle with King Charles for the annual summer retreat. Richard Eden, speaking on Palace Confidential, hinted at potential tension among the royals during this summer period in Scotland.
“The crown estate owns the property, there’s no great reason to get rid of him other than the costs of security which the King is paying for,” Eden said. “But, the King has a lot of money and it just seems petty that he is trying to get rid of him.”
As the royals spend their time engaging in activities like grouse shooting, salmon fishing, and picnics, the future of Royal Lodge and Prince Andrew’s residence there remains uncertain. The Duke and Duchess of York’s presence at Balmoral for the retreat might prompt discussions on the matter between Prince Andrew and King Charles.
This could force the Duke of York to move out unless he can generate the financial resources needed for repairs and security.
King Charles’ decision to stop funding security adds to the financial pressure that Prince Andrew, 64, faced last year when struggling to meet the £400,000-a-year upkeep costs for the Royal Lodge.
The Crown Estate, which owns the property, deems it appropriate for Royal Lodge to remain under the Royal Family‘s occupancy. This situation has led to friends of the Yorks suggesting another reason behind the eviction.
Daily Mail’s editor, Richard Eden, wrote in his column, “Intriguingly, more than one friend of the Yorks has suggested the same theory to me as to why this eviction ‘campaign’ has begun,” the Daily Mail’s diary editor wrote. “Could it be that the King sees Royal Lodge as a potential future home for Queen Camilla, were she to outlive him?”
Back in 2003, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson paid £1 million for a 75-year lease on the property. Despite their divorce in 1996, the couple still live at Royal Lodge, each occupying different wings. The Duke and Duchess of York are currently at Balmoral Castle with King Charles for the annual summer retreat. Richard Eden, speaking on Palace Confidential, hinted at potential tension among the royals during this summer period in Scotland.
“The crown estate owns the property, there’s no great reason to get rid of him other than the costs of security which the King is paying for,” Eden said. “But, the King has a lot of money and it just seems petty that he is trying to get rid of him.”
As the royals spend their time engaging in activities like grouse shooting, salmon fishing, and picnics, the future of Royal Lodge and Prince Andrew’s residence there remains uncertain. The Duke and Duchess of York’s presence at Balmoral for the retreat might prompt discussions on the matter between Prince Andrew and King Charles.
Source : Times of India
