Inside Royal Lodge, the home that Prince Andrew still occupies at Windsor

The rent arrangements that Prince Andrew has for Royal Lodge have been revealed. Andrew, who gave up use of his royal titles just days ago, still lives at the large property on the Windsor estate with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.

Now it’s been revealed that he pays a peppercorn rent. Documents obtained by The Times indicate the current arrangement sees the prince responsible for upkeep of the property in return for a peppercorn rent – ie no money but the payment of a peppercorn every year (if it’s asked for).

It’s added further controversy to the debate around the property – it’s understood King Charles would like his younger brother to leave but cannot make him as it is part of the Crown Estate.

But it’s not the first time this royal home has attracted attention – it has quite a storied past.

Royal residence for centuries

Royal Lodge is part of the Crown Estate and lies in Windsor Great Park. It was first the site of a home in the mid-seventeenth century and was used by several people over the decades, including the Deputy Ranger of the Great Park and the future King George IV. 

King William IV had the house torn down in 1830 save for the conservatory; however, it was rebuilt and by the early 1840s served as a residence for members of the Royal Household from 1873 to 1931. 

Home of a future king and queen

The Duke and Duchess of York (the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) moved in in 1931 with their young children, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose. Elizabeth continued to use it as a country home until her death in 2002 when she passed away at Royal Lodge. 

The home contains the original conservatory, but everything else was built in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. With over 30 rooms that include seven bedrooms, it is a large home. The property also includes the Chapel Lodge, six Lodge Cottages, and a Gardener’s Cottage. A young Princess Elizabeth received a Welsh miniature cottage as a gift; the cottage, Y Bwthyn Bach, is still on the property. 

Prince Andrew’s route to Royal Lodge

Queen Elizabeth II leased the property to her son, Prince Andrew, in 2003, when he was required to carry out over £7,000,000 of repairs to keep the home. 

After Andrew stepped down from public duties in January 2022, it was suggested that he leave Royal Lodge as his income has been cut significantly. He still remains in Royal Lodge with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

In 2024, it was reported that The King wanted the prince to leave. Charles III cut his brother off financially that year, leading to questions over how Andrew could afford to pay the rent. Now, it’s been revealed that upkeep is Andrew’s responsibility in return for a peppercorn rent. However, as the house is part of the Crown Estate, Charles III can’t directly tell Prince Andrew to quit the property.