In a dramatic departure from royal tradition, the Duke of York is preparing to exchange the grandeur of Royal Lodge for the modest confines of a central London flat. This surprising move represents one of the most significant downsizings in recent royal history.
From Thirty Rooms to Two
The scale of this transition is staggering. Prince Andrew will be leaving behind the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he has lived since 2004, for what sources describe as a considerably smaller two-bedroom apartment. The property, believed to be located near Buckingham Palace, offers a fraction of the space he has enjoyed for over two decades.
The Royal Lodge Standoff
This relocation follows months of tension between the Duke and the Crown Estate regarding the future of Royal Lodge. Despite having a 75-year lease on the property, pressure has been mounting for Andrew to vacate the mansion to reduce royal expenses. The King has been actively streamlining the monarchy's property portfolio since ascending the throne.
Security concerns have also played a crucial role in this decision. Maintaining adequate protection at the sprawling Windsor estate has proven increasingly challenging and costly for the taxpayer.
A Palace in the Rearview Mirror
Royal Lodge is no ordinary residence. The Grade II listed property sits within the Windsor Great Park and boasts:
- Seven main bedrooms
- Extensive reception rooms
- Multiple staff accommodations
- Vast private gardens
By contrast, his new London accommodation will offer basic city living without the trappings of royal estate life.
The King's Modernising Vision
This move aligns with King Charles III's broader strategy to create a more streamlined, cost-effective monarchy. Reducing the number of occupied royal residences has been a key priority, with several properties already being reassessed for their practical and financial viability.
The transition from royal mansion to urban flat marks a new chapter for the Duke of York, one that reflects the changing nature of the modern monarchy and its relationship with both tradition and public expectation.
