Prince Andrew could have secured rent-free accommodation at Royal Lodge before the late Queen Elizabeth II intervened to change the arrangement, according to new claims.
The Duke of York, who signed the lease for the 30-room mansion in August 2003, was initially positioned to receive the property as a “grace and favour” residence.
However, following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II opted against this arrangement.
According to a leaked National Audit Office memo cited in the Daily Mail by Ephraim Hardcastle, “This option was declined in favour of a commercial arrangement.”
Prince Andrew could have secured rent-free accommodation at Royal Lodge before the late Queen Elizabeth II intervened to change the arrangement, according to new claims
PA
The decision marked a significant shift in how the royal property would be managed, leading to the current commercial lease agreement under which Prince Andrew occupies the residence.
Prince Andrew currently resides in the Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, with whom he maintains a close relationship.
Recent images have revealed the property’s deteriorating condition, showing peeling paint and cluttered interiors.
The duke has reportedly secured funding from “legitimate sources” to maintain his lifestyle and continue residing in the mansion.
The Duke of York signed the lease for the 30-room mansion in August 2003
Getty
The property’s state of disrepair has prompted plans for renovation, with Andrew seeking assistance from within the family.
His son-in-law Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, founder and chief executive of Banda Property, has been reportedly brought in to advise on the property’s transformation.
In a effort to force Prince Andrew to relocate to cheaper accommodation, King Charles cut Prince Andrew’s £1million annual allowance.
The disgraced duke has relied on the money to fund his lifestyle and security detail since he stepped back as a working royal in 2019.
Prince Andrew faced large public backlash after he discussed his friendship with convicted Paedophile Jeffery Epstein.
Despite these financial pressures and the property’s condition, Prince Andrew remains at Royal Lodge.
The duke’s determination appears to have paid off, as reports indicate he will now be permitted to continue residing in the property.
