As pressure for Prince Andrew to leave the Royal Lodge continues to grow, there has been a call for the King to confront his brother “face to face”.
A source who knows Charles told The Times that the monarch should tell Andrew he “must leave” his 30-bedroom mansion.
The source said: “Charles has to say to his face, ‘There’s no choice here, you must now leave Royal Lodge. Whatever the lease says. You say you always put your family and country first. Prove it. This is doing real damage to the monarchy. You’ve got to move.’ I think that would do a lot to assuage public anger.”
The King has long been said to have tried to encourage his younger brother to move out, but Andrew signed a watertight 75-year lease on the property in 2003.
He has been facing increasing calls to vacate the mansion this week amid the continuing furore over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and the publication of the posthumous memoirs by his sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. Andrew strenuously denies all accusations.
Key Points
- Andrew relinquished Duke of York title after email to Epstein saying 'we're in this together' emerged
- Andrew’s past ‘catching up with him’ amid controversy over home
- Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
- What is the deal that means Prince Andrew can live at the Royal Lodge?
- Watch: Prince William 'hopping mad with black sheep Uncle' Andrew, says royal expert Jennie Bond
Recap: Prince Andrew has paid no rent on Royal Lodge for more than 20 years
07:00 , Athena Stavrou
Prince Andrew shown to pay no rent as agreement for Royal Lodge released
'Not too late' for Andrew to come forward, Giuffre’s co-author says
06:00 , Athena StavrouThe co-author of Virginia Giuffre’s memoirs has said it’s “not too late” for Prince Andrew’s to come forward and say what he knew about the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The book’s co-author Amy Wallace said Ms Giuffre wanted “wealthy, powerful men to be held to account” and said Andrew could still help victims of sexual abuse.
“He still denies what is in this book, we should say. But it’s not too late,” she said.
“He could continue to leave aside the things he’s accused of with Virginia. He could still come forward. He was in those houses, he was on the island, he was in the private jet numerous times.
“He could still come forward and say to the authorities, I want to validate these women’s experience.”
Recap: Prince Andrew under pressure to help the FBI
05:00 , Athena StavrouCabinet minister Peter Kyle on Tuesday urged Andrew to cooperate with the US authorities and give evidence about Epstein’s crimes, Amy-Clare Martin writes.
In 2020, a federal investigator accused Andrew of providing “zero cooperation” with the US inquiry into Epstein and his conspirators, despite having promised that he was willing to help when he stood down from public duties in 2019.
This week, business secretary Mr Kyle urged him to stick to his word, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I think anybody that has any information that could bring justice and information to victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes should be fully engaging with any of the authorities that are seeking to deliver that information and justice for the victims.”
He added: “Those victims must be first, and they must be central to how we discuss and debate any of these issues relating to the Jeffrey Epstein ... situation, and the crimes he committed. So of course, anybody, anywhere that has information that can deliver that justice should be sharing it openly.
“I believe that Andrew, in the past, has said that he would cooperate, and I urge him to stick to his word on that.”
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick agreed that Andrew should give evidence to the US authorities “about what he knew and what his involvement was” in the scandal.
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
03:21 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew may have relinquished his royal titles, but his downfall appears to be far from over.
The royal – once widely reported to be Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite child – is facing calls to step away from public life forever as harrowing details of allegations against him are laid bare in Virginia Giuffre’s bombshell posthumous memoir.
The 65-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, is also under mounting pressure to give up his 30-bedroom royal mansion and start cooperating with the FBI in their investigation into paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin explains:
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Andrew’s past ‘catching up with him’ amid controversy over home
02:00 , Athena StavrouThe co-author of Virginia Giuffre’s memoirs says Prince Andrew’s behaviour is “catching up with him” as he is reportedly in discussion about leaving his Royal Lodge home.
The book’s co-author Amy Wallace said Ms Giuffre wanted “wealthy, powerful men to be held to account”.
In an interview with the Associated Press, she said: “What we’re watching is Prince Andrew’s life is being eroded for his past behaviour.
“While he’s not being tried in a court of law, his behaviour’s catching up with him”.
Where could Andrew move to if he leaves the Royal Lodge?
00:30 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew is reportedly in discussions about leaving Royal Lodge voluntarily following the furore over the “peppercorn” rent for his 30-room mansion.
Obstacles to reaching a settlement are reportedly where Andrew, eighth in line to the throne, will live and what financial recompense he will receive for the funds he spent renovating the home.
There are likely properties on the King’s private Balmoral estate in Scotland and his Sandringham estate in Norfolk that could house Andrew but whether he will accept a smaller home far from his supportive daughters remains to be seen.
Prince Andrew facing historic Commons debate
23:42 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew will likely be at the centre of a historic debate in the Commons, as MPs prepare to discuss his future.
In a major break from convention, the Liberal Democrats have signalled they intend to use their next Opposition Day to discuss formally removing Andrew’s titles, The Times reported.
Though such a debate will likely not pass legislation, it marks more pressure heading the royal family’s way.
Four out of five Britons want Andrew to be formally stripped of dukedom, poll suggests
23:00 , Athena StavrouFour out of five Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, a YouGov poll has suggested.
The survey showed that 63% of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17% “somewhat” supported the idea, while 6% were opposed to it – 4% somewhat and 2% strongly – and 14% did not know.
King Charles 'must confront Andrew face-to-face' for him to leave Royal Lodge
21:58 , Athena StavrouAs pressure for Prince Andrew to leave the Royal Lodge continues to grow, there have been calls for the King to confront his brother “face to face”.
A source who knows Charles told The Times that the monarch must tell Andrew he “must leave” his 30-bedroom mansion.
As he relinquished his titles last Friday, Andrew stated: “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.”
Referencing this, the source said: “Charles has to say to his face, ‘There’s no choice here, you must now leave Royal Lodge. Whatever the lease says. You say you always put your family and country first. Prove it. This is doing real damage to the monarchy. You’ve got to move.’ I think that would do a lot to assuage public anger.”
Recap: Prince Andrew under pressure to help the FBI
20:00 , Bryony GoochCabinet minister Peter Kyle on Tuesday urged Andrew to cooperate with the US authorities and give evidence about Epstein’s crimes, Amy-Clare Martin writes.
In 2020, a federal investigator accused Andrew of providing “zero cooperation” with the US inquiry into Epstein and his conspirators, despite having promised that he was willing to help when he stood down from public duties in 2019.
This week, business secretary Mr Kyle urged him to stick to his word, telling ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I think anybody that has any information that could bring justice and information to victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes should be fully engaging with any of the authorities that are seeking to deliver that information and justice for the victims.”
He added: “Those victims must be first, and they must be central to how we discuss and debate any of these issues relating to the Jeffrey Epstein ... situation, and the crimes he committed. So of course, anybody, anywhere that has information that can deliver that justice should be sharing it openly.
“I believe that Andrew, in the past, has said that he would cooperate, and I urge him to stick to his word on that.”
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick agreed that Andrew should give evidence to the US authorities “about what he knew and what his involvement was” in the scandal.
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre once – they must not do so again
19:00 , Bryony Gooch
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Andrew – they must not do so again
Recap: Met Police looking into allegations of a bid to smear Giuffre
18:00 , Bryony GoochThe Met Police have confirmed they are “actively looking” into fresh allegations that Andrew tried to use his police bodyguard to smear his accuser, Amy-Clare Martin writes.
The Mail on Sunday claims to have seen leaked emails from 2011 in which Andrew said he had handed over Giuffre’s confidential social security number (SSN) and date of birth to his taxpayer-funded Met Police protection officer, apparently in a bid to dig up dirt on her.
Andrew reportedly wrote in an email to Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary: “It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States. I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”
Giuffre’s family have said she does not have a criminal record, and it is not clear whether or not the bodyguard complied with the request.
The Met’s former head of royal protection, Dai Davies, has urged the force to question the royal under caution if there is evidence that he abetted a police officer to commit the criminal offence of misconduct in public office.
“It is time for Scotland Yard to launch a full criminal investigation into Prince Andrew,” he told the Mail.
“Asking a police officer to investigate an alleged victim is outside of their duties, whether that is calling the FBI, your mates in the US, or searching out themselves to find out whether someone has a criminal offence. That is, in my view, a criminal offence.”
Recap: What is the deal that means Prince Andrew can live at the Royal Lodge?
17:00 , Bryony GoochPrince Andrew has lived at the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor Great Park for more than 20 years.
A copy of the leasehold agreement, shared by the Crown Estate shows Andrew signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003.
It reveals he paid £1 million for the lease and that since then he has paid “one peppercorn” of rent “if demanded” per year.
He was also required to pay a further £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, according to a report by the National Audit Office.
The agreement also contains a clause which states the Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
The Public Accounts Committee is to write to the Crown Estate and the Treasury to raise “a number of questions” about Andrew’s lease on the property.
Watch: Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl
16:00 , Bryony GoochWhere could Andrew move if he leaves the Royal Lodge?
15:00 , Bryony GoochPrince Andrew is reportedly in discussions about leaving Royal Lodge voluntarily following the furore over the “peppercorn” rent for his 30-room mansion.
Obstacles to reaching a settlement are reportedly where Andrew, eighth in line to the throne, will live and what financial recompense he will receive for the funds he spent renovating the home.
There are likely properties on the King’s private Balmoral estate in Scotland and his Sandringham estate in Norfolk that could house Andrew but whether he will accept a smaller home far from his supportive daughters remains to be seen.
Four out of five Britons want Andrew to be formally stripped of dukedom, poll suggests
14:00 , Bryony GoochFour out of five Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, a YouGov poll has suggested.
The survey showed that 63% of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17% “somewhat” supported the idea, while 6% were opposed to it – 4% somewhat and 2% strongly – and 14% did not know.
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
13:00 , Bryony GoochCould Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
MPs not to be given time to discuss Andrew's conduct, says Downing St
12:00 , Bryony GoochDowning Street has said MPs will not be given time in the House of Commons to discuss Andrew’s conduct because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
Number 10 said it would not allocate time for a debate in the chamber although MPs could still scrutinise the situation in committees.
Watch: Prince William 'hopping mad with black sheep Uncle' Andrew, says royal expert
11:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: Prince Andrew has paid no rent on Royal Lodge for more than 20 years
10:00 , Bryony GoochPrince Andrew shown to pay no rent as agreement for Royal Lodge released
Andrew could still come forward and help victims of sexual abuse, says Ms Wallace
09:00 , Bryony GoochMs Wallace said Andrew could still come forward about what he knew about the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and help victims of sexual abuse.
“He still denies what is in this book, we should say. But it’s not too late,” she said.
“He could continue to leave aside the things he’s accused of with Virginia. He could still come forward. He was in those houses, he was on the island, he was in the private jet numerous times.
“He could still come forward and say to the authorities, I want to validate these women’s experience.”
The prince, who strenuously denies the allegations from Ms Giuffre, has been hit by fresh criticism focused on his property, with some MPs eager to debate the issue in Parliament.
Recap: King Charles greets Zelensky with ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle
08:00 , Bryony Gooch
King Charles greets Zelensky with ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle
Andrew’s past ‘catching up with him’ amid controversy over home
07:30 , Bryony GoochThe co-author of Virginia Giuffre’s memoirs says Prince Andrew’s behaviour is “catching up with him” as he is reportedly in discussion about leaving his Royal Lodge home.
The King’s brother is said to be in talks with Charles’ representatives about leaving Royal Lodge voluntarily following the furore over the “peppercorn” rent for his 30-room mansion, but is reluctant to give up his residence of more than 20 years.
The prince gave up the Duke of York title and other honours last Friday ahead of the publication of Ms Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, following allegations he sexually abused her.
The Daily Telegraph said the sticking points in the talks are the location of his new home and financial compensation for funds spent on the lodge.
The book’s co-author Amy Wallace said Ms Giuffre wanted “wealthy, powerful men to be held to account”.
In an interview with the Associated Press, she said: “What we’re watching is Prince Andrew’s life is being eroded for his past behaviour.
“While he’s not being tried in a court of law, his behaviour’s catching up with him”.
Ms Wallace said Andrew could still come forward about what he knew about the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and help victims of sexual abuse.
“He still denies what is in this book, we should say. But it’s not too late,” she said.
“He could continue to leave aside the things he’s accused of with Virginia. He could still come forward. He was in those houses, he was on the island, he was in the private jet numerous times.
“He could still come forward and say to the authorities, I want to validate these women’s experience.”
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
07:00 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew may have relinquished his royal titles, but his downfall appears to be far from over.
The royal – once widely reported to be Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite child – is facing calls to step away from public life forever as harrowing details of allegations against him are laid bare in Virginia Giuffre’s bombshell posthumous memoir.
The 65-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, is also under mounting pressure to give up his 30-bedroom royal mansion and start cooperating with the FBI in their investigation into paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin explains:
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
What is the deal that means Prince Andrew can live at the Royal Lodge?
06:00 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew has lived at the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor Great Park for more than 20 years.
A copy of the leasehold agreement, shared by the Crown Estate shows Andrew signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003.
It reveals he paid £1 million for the lease and that since then he has paid “one peppercorn” of rent “if demanded” per year.
He was also required to pay a further £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, according to a report by the National Audit Office.
The agreement also contains a clause which states the Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
The Public Accounts Committee is to write to the Crown Estate and the Treasury to raise “a number of questions” about Andrew’s lease on the property.
Where could Andrew move to if he leaves the Royal Lodge?
05:00 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew is reportedly in discussions about leaving Royal Lodge voluntarily following the furore over the “peppercorn” rent for his 30-room mansion.
Obstacles to reaching a settlement are reportedly where Andrew, eighth in line to the throne, will live and what financial recompense he will receive for the funds he spent renovating the home.
There are likely properties on the King’s private Balmoral estate in Scotland and his Sandringham estate in Norfolk that could house Andrew but whether he will accept a smaller home far from his supportive daughters remains to be seen.
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Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion
04:08 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew’s occupancy of the 30-room Royal Lodge has come under intense scrutiny following new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s memoir.
The sprawling Windsor property is set in 98 acres of grounds which also house a small cottage, Y Bwthyn Bach, which was gifted to Princess Elizabeth as a child by the people of Wales in 1932.
You can read more about the property here...
Andrew relinquished Duke of York title after email to Epstein saying 'we're in this together' emerged
03:05 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew relinquished use of his Duke of York title and remaining honours last Friday in a bid to prevent distracting from the work of the monarch and the royal family.
However, he remains a prince, living in the grand Royal Lodge, and the scandal continues to dominate the headlines.
Andrew’s announcement last week came after he consulted with the King and the Prince of Wales when it emerged he had emailed paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 saying “we’re in this together”, three months after he claimed he had broken all contact with the convicted sex offender.
Watch: Prince William 'hopping mad with black sheep Uncle' Andrew, says royal expert Jennie Bond
02:00 , Athena StavrouMPs not to be given Commons time to discuss Andrew
01:03 , Athena StavrouMPs will not be given time in the House of Commons to discuss Prince Andrew’s conduct because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”, Downing Street said.
The Commons could only discuss Andrew’s friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and his rent-free mansion if there was a formal motion, but the Government controls the bulk of parliamentary time.
Downing Street said it would not allocate time for a debate in the chamber although MPs could still scrutinise the situation in committees.
Four out of five Britons want Andrew to be formally stripped of dukedom, poll suggests
Saturday 25 October 2025 00:01 , Athena StavrouFour out of five Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, a YouGov poll has suggested.
The survey showed that 63% of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17% “somewhat” supported the idea, while 6% were opposed to it – 4% somewhat and 2% strongly – and 14% did not know.
Virginia Giuffre claims ABC nixed interview over access to William and Kate
Friday 24 October 2025 22:40 , Athena StavrouVirginia Giuffre has alleged in her posthumous memoirs that a major broadcaster did not air an interview with her concerning Prince Andrew due to fears about access to the royal family.
In her book, Nobody’s Girl, Giuffre claimed the network “feared losing access” to the Prince and Princess of Wales, leading them to “nix the interview”.
She said that ABC News anchor Amy Robach was reportedly heard on a “hot mic” expressing frustration that the 2019 sit-down, where Giuffre claimed to have been “trafficked” to Andrew, was not aired.
Full story: Andrew ‘in talks about leaving Royal Lodge’ following controversy over lease
Friday 24 October 2025 22:00 , Athena Stavrou
Andrew ‘in talks about leaving Royal Lodge’ following controversy over lease
Where could Andrew move if he leaves the Royal Lodge?
Friday 24 October 2025 21:30 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew is reportedly in discussions about leaving Royal Lodge voluntarily following the furore over the “peppercorn” rent for his 30-room mansion.
Obstacles to reaching a settlement are reportedly where Andrew, eighth in line to the throne, will live and what financial recompense he will receive for the funds he spent renovating the home.
There are likely properties on the King’s private Balmoral estate in Scotland and his Sandringham estate in Norfolk that could house Andrew but whether he will accept a smaller home far from his supportive daughters remains to be seen.
Prince Andrew in advanced talks to leave Royal Lodge - recap
Friday 24 October 2025 21:00 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew is reportedly in talks with the King’s representatives about him moving out of the Royal Lodge.
Sources told The Telegraph that Buckingham palace is trying to persuade Andrew to quit the 30-bedroom mansion voluntarily.
The prince has 50 years left on his pre-paid lease, and will legally have to be compensated if he is forced to move out.
The paper reported that the main discussions are centred around where he will move to and how much he will be compensated.
The duke has not paid rent for over 20 years while living in the lodge, and instead paid £1 million and a further £7 million for renovations upfront.
What is the deal that means Prince Andrew can live at the Royal Lodge?
Friday 24 October 2025 20:30 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew has lived at the 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor Great Park for more than 20 years.
A copy of the leasehold agreement, shared by the Crown Estate shows Andrew signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003.
It reveals he paid £1 million for the lease and that since then he has paid “one peppercorn” of rent “if demanded” per year.
He was also required to pay a further £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, according to a report by the National Audit Office.
The agreement also contains a clause which states the Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
The Public Accounts Committee is to write to the Crown Estate and the Treasury to raise “a number of questions” about Andrew’s lease on the property.
Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl
Friday 24 October 2025 20:01 , Athena StavrouCould Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Friday 24 October 2025 19:30 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew may have relinquished his royal titles, but his downfall appears to be far from over.
The royal – once widely reported to be Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite child – is facing calls to step away from public life forever as harrowing details of allegations against him are laid bare in Virginia Giuffre’s bombshell posthumous memoir.
The 65-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, is also under mounting pressure to give up his 30-bedroom royal mansion and start cooperating with the FBI in their investigation into paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin explains:
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Why hasn't Prince Andrew been officially stripped of all his titles?
Friday 24 October 2025 19:00 , Athena StavrouLast Friday, Prince Andrew voluntarily relinquished his titles and said he would stop using his Duke of York title to avoid distracting from the work of the royal family.
However, it would take an Act of Parliament for his dukedom and titles to be formally and officially removed.
Legislation has been used before to strip titles, notably descendants of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who were on the German side in the First World War.
The Titles Deprivation Act 1917 remains in force but as it refers specifically to the First World War, its provisions are unlikely to be relevant today.
The Government has indicated that it would not introduce any legislation to strip Andrew of his titles unless the King wanted to.
Why has Andrew faced pressure to leave the Royal Lodge?
Friday 24 October 2025 18:31 , Athena StavrouPressure is mounting on Prince Andrew to give up his 30-room mansion after it emerged he has paid a “peppercorn rent” on the property for more than 20 years.
The Public Accounts Committee is to write to the Crown Estate and the Treasury to raise “a number of questions” about Andrew’s lease on the property.
A copy of the leasehold agreement, shared by the Crown Estate shows Andrew signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003.
It reveals he paid £1 million for the lease and a further £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, but that since then he has paid “one peppercorn” of rent “if demanded” per year.
It comes as his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have come into the spotlight again, as his late accuser, Virginia Giuffre’s, memoir was published.
Senior Tory Robert Jenrick said it was “about time Prince Andrew took himself off to live in private” as “the public are sick of him”.
Sir Keir Starmer said there should be “proper scrutiny” of Andrew’s rent-free mansion, in response to calls for a parliamentary inquiry at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Watch: Demonstrators protest outside Prince Andrew's Windsor home
Friday 24 October 2025 17:51 , Athena StavrouFull story: No 10 dismisses calls for MPs to get time to debate Prince Andrew
Friday 24 October 2025 17:26 , Athena Stavrou
Downing Street dismisses calls for MPs to be given time to debate Prince Andrew
Who lived in the Royal Lodge before Andrew?
Friday 24 October 2025 17:08 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew’s residence at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor has come under intense scrutiny over the last few days.
But the sprawling mansion set within 98-acre grounds has been used by the royal family for lodgings since the 1800s.
Prior to Andrew’s family taking up residence in the Royal Lodge, it was occupied by King George VI and the Queen Mother when they were still the Duke and Duchess of York.
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret spent much time at the Royal Lodge, which was used by the family as a country retreat.
In the mid-18th century, military topographer and artist Thomas Sandby lived in the house as the deputy ranger of the Great Park, granting the property the name of Deputy Ranger’s House.
Later, it was home to Joseph Frost, the park bailiff, who then became the general superintendent of farms after Sandby’s death.
George, Prince of Wales, who went on to become King George IV, used the lodge as temporary accommodation in 1812.
It was almost completely demolished, except for the conservatory, in 1830 under King William IV’s orders and rebuilt. By 1840, it was being used as accommodation for various officers of the royal household.
Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew £558,000 if he quit home
Friday 24 October 2025 16:38 , Athena StavrouA copy of Andrew’s leasehold agreement from the Crown Estate shows he signed a 75-year lease on the Royal Lodge in 2003.
The agreement contains a clause stating the Crown Estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
It reveals he paid £1m for the lease and that since then he has paid "one peppercorn" of rent "if demanded" per year.
Profits from the Crown Estate are handed to the Treasury for the nation's finances, raising concerns that the public could be deprived of funds from the property due to the peppercorn rent.
He was required to pay a further £7.5m for refurbishments completed in 2005, according to the National Audit Office.
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion
Friday 24 October 2025 16:06 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew’s occupancy of the 30-room Royal Lodge has come under intense scrutiny following new allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s memoir.
The sprawling Windsor property is set in 98 acres of grounds which also house a small cottage, Y Bwthyn Bach, which was gifted to Princess Elizabeth as a child by the people of Wales in 1932.
You can read more about the property here...
Prince Andrew in advanced talks to leave Royal Lodge - reports
Friday 24 October 2025 15:54 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew is reportedly in talks with the King’s representatives about him moving out of the Royal Lodge.
Sources told The Telegraph that Buckingham palace is trying to persuade Andrew to quit the 30-bedroom mansion voluntarily.
The prince has 50 years left on his pre-paid lease, and will legally have to be compensated if he is forced to move out.
The paper reported that the main discussions are centred around where he will move to and how much he will be compensated.
The duke has not paid rent for over 20 years while living in the lodge, and instead paid £1 million and a further £7 million for renovations upfront.
Prince William ‘hopping mad with black sheep uncle Andrew’, says royal expert Jennie Bond
Friday 24 October 2025 15:11 , Tara Cobham
Prince William ‘hopping mad with black sheep uncle Andrew’, says Jennie Bond
Watch: Epstein survivor calls on Prince Andrew to give information on 'what he saw' in mansion
Friday 24 October 2025 14:12 , Tara CobhamCould Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Friday 24 October 2025 13:00 , Tara CobhamPrince Andrew may have relinquished his royal titles, but his downfall appears to be far from over.
The royal – once widely reported to be Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite child – is facing calls to step away from public life forever as harrowing details of allegations against him are laid bare in Virginia Giuffre’s bombshell posthumous memoir.
The 65-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, is also under mounting pressure to give up his 30-bedroom royal mansion and start cooperating with the FBI in their investigation into paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
The Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin explains:
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Andrew relinquished Duke of York title after email to Epstein saying 'we're in this together' emerged
Friday 24 October 2025 12:00 , Tara CobhamPrince Andrew relinquished use of his Duke of York title and remaining honours last Friday in a bid to prevent distracting from the work of the monarch and the royal family, but he remains a prince, living in the grand Royal Lodge, and the scandal continues to dominate the headlines.
Andrew’s announcement last week came after he consulted with the King and the Prince of Wales when it emerged he had emailed paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 saying “we’re in this together”, three months after he claimed he had broken all contact with the convicted sex offender.
MPs will not be given time to debate Andrew's conduct in Commons, No 10 says
Friday 24 October 2025 11:00 , Tara CobhamDowning Street said MPs will not be given time in the House of Commons to discuss Andrew’s conduct because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
The Commons could only discuss the prince’s friendship with Epstein and his rent-free mansion if there was a formal motion, but the Government controls the bulk of parliamentary time.
Downing Street said it would not allocate time for a debate in the chamber although MPs could still scrutinise the situation in committees.
Media gathered outside Royal Lodge gates yesterday amid speculation of developments in controversy
Friday 24 October 2025 10:00 , Tara CobhamBroadcast crews and photographers gathered outside the gates of Royal Lodge on Thursday evening amid speculation there could be further developments in the long-running controversy surrounding the late Queen’s second son.
Friends of the prince reportedly told The Telegraph that Andrew believes the King is trying to force him out of the mansion because he wants it as a base for the Queen in Windsor should she outlive him.
Buckingham Palace strongly denied this was the King’s plan.
We may be expecting news from the Windsor estate later this evening where tv crews have been told to expect “ passing traffic “… 👀
— emily m (@maitlis) October 23, 2025
