Prince Andrew has 'got a spring in his step' despite 30-room Royal Lodge home 'falling into disrepair'
The Duke of York is apparently "finding ways to stay in his house"
Prince Andrew has been spotted tending to the grounds of Royal Lodge, his sprawling 30-room home in Windsor, as he reportedly attempts to oversee long-overdue renovations and prevent a potential eviction.
Despite reported ongoing tensions with King Charles and his continued estrangement from public royal duties, the Duke of York, 65, appears to be embracing a hands-on role around the property.
A royal insider claims Andrew has been seen walking the estate, engaging with staff and even asking for gardening tips in an effort to maintain the crumbling home.
“He’s certainly got a spring in his step and is a lot cheerier of late,” the source claimed to the Mirror. “Which is surprising given everything he has going on.”
Where does Prince Andrew live?
Prince Andrew resides at Royal Lodge. The mansion is located in Windsor Great Park, just a short distance from Windsor Castle.
The Grade II listed house boasts 30 rooms, expansive gardens and a rich royal history.
The whole place has fallen into disrepair and needs a lot of attention.
It was previously the residence of the Queen Mother until her death in 2002.
Andrew has lived at the property since 2004, moving in after signing a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate. The property has been his long-time refuge, even amid his public scandals and legal controversies.
Does Andrew pay rent at Royal Lodge?
Under the terms of the lease, Prince Andrew does not pay traditional rent. Instead, he agreed to finance the upkeep and renovations of the property himself.
However, this commitment reportedly includes an obligation to invest millions into its maintenance.
While some refurbishment work began on the roof and exterior facade last year, it has since stalled. The property is now said to be falling into “disrepair”.
With funds reportedly tight, Andrew is now believed to be attempting the repairs himself to cut costs.
“The duke has been walking round the estate a lot recently. Speaking to staff and asking for tips on managing the grounds,” the source continued. “The whole place has fallen into disrepair and needs a lot of attention. He’s been asking about different kinds of trees and shrubs and whether it would be possible to move or relocate certain trees.”
The insider added that Andrew is “no Alan Titchmarsh” but he’s “certainly showing a different kind of enthusiasm for finding ways to stay in his house”.
Prince Andrew and King Charles’ ‘row’ over Royal Lodge home
Tensions have been mounting between Andrew and King Charles over the property. The monarch is allegedly pushing for his brother to downsize into the more modest Frogmore Cottage, formerly the UK residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The king reportedly believes Royal Lodge is too large and too costly for a non-working royal to maintain. Andrew stepped down from his duties in late 2019, following his disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Then in 2022, Andrew settled a civil case out of court with Virginia Giuffre, who accused the prince of sexually assaulting her when she was 17, for an undisclosed sum.
Andrew has always denied the allegations against him.
Prince Andrew has apparently refused to budge from Royal Lodge, insisting he has a “cast iron lease” and telling friends he is “going nowhere”.
Andrew’s return to the royal Easter service this year may signal a shift, at least within private royal circles.
The duke was pictured attending alongside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Sources claim the appearance lifted his spirits considerably after months of isolation.
After being outcast from royal life, Andrew has been living a rather quiet life. It’s said he spends most of his time at Royal Lodge and is sometimes seen out horse riding and now, it seems, tending to the home’s gardens!
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Read more: Prince Andrew and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson ‘snubbed’ from royal family photos after Easter service
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