November 4th 2024.
Prince Andrew's 98-acre estate, located in Windsor, has seen better days. Recently released images reveal that his 31-bedroom home, the Royal Lodge, has been plagued by damp and mould. The Duke of York has called this sprawling estate home for over 20 years, and has invested a significant amount of money - approximately £7 million - into repairing the property, which is valued at £30,000,000. Alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Andrew has fought to maintain their residence in the 19th century Grade II listed property, despite the hefty cost of upkeep.
However, the new photographs published by The Sun paint a different picture. The once-grand home is now showing signs of neglect, with crumbling paint, cracks, and mould creeping up the walls. Even the outbuildings and gatehouse, which were once part of the grandeur of the property, are now visibly deteriorating. These images have surfaced after a recent report by The Mirror revealed that one in seven rental homes owned by Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall estate do not meet basic energy efficiency standards.
It seems that the Duke of York's living situation has become a point of contention for the royal family. King Charles is reportedly growing impatient with Andrew's continued residence at the Royal Lodge. In fact, the duke was first instructed to move out of the property five years ago. The investigation by The Mirror further revealed that many rental properties owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, including Andrew's home, are suffering from mould and poor energy efficiency, leaving tenants struggling with fuel poverty.
Andrew's tumultuous personal life has also added to the complications surrounding his living arrangements. In 2022, he was forced to step down from his royal duties and military titles after being accused of sexual abuse by Virginia Giuffre. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Andrew can no longer use the title of "His Royal Highness" or undertake public duties. This has left King Charles with the difficult task of deciding what to do with his disgraced brother.
The current state of the Royal Lodge is a cause for concern, not just for its deteriorating appearance, but also for the potential health risks posed by the mould. The property has a 75-year lease, which Andrew signed when he first moved in. However, it seems that his continued occupation of the mansion has caused frustration for the royal family, particularly for King Charles who has previously resisted calls to downsize.
With an autumn deadline looming for Andrew to vacate the property, he is left with two options: find a job or move into "more suitable accommodation," such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former home, Frogmore Cottage. It seems that the Duke of York's long-standing residence at the Royal Lodge has come to an end, and the future of this once grand estate remains uncertain.
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