A Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park, the Royal Lodge served as a childhood country retreat for the late Queen Elizabeth. For Her Majesty, the Georgian-style estate, which boasts 30 rooms, a swimming pool, chapel, and several cottages, held many childhood memories, and to this day, Y Bwthyn Bach – the two-storey thatched playhouse gifted to Elizabeth in 1932 – stands on its 98 acres of land.
While the late Queen spent her final years at Windsor Castle, and of course, her beloved Balmoral Castle, the Royal Lodge remained in use, and from 2004 to 2026, was the home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. As of this month, however, the pair have been evicted from the property, which is currently being searched by Thames Valley Police.
Following his arrest on 19 February, Andrew, 66, is facing allegations of misconduct in public office, with police investigating claims that he shared confidential information during his appointment as the UK’s trade envoy.
© Getty ImagesFor the time being, Andrew is residing at Wood Farm in Sandringham, and there is no word on the future of the Royal Lodge, nor who could inhabit the property next. Ever wondered what it looked like in days long gone? Here, we remember the estate’s former life as an idyllic rural retreat to Queen Elizabeth…
A family haven
© Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth’s grandfather, King George V, gave the Royal Lodge to his son Prince Albert (later King George VI) in 1931. As a result, a young Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, made countless memories at the property with their parents and their beloved pets. In the above photo, captured in 1940, a teenage Elizabeth poses with her family and their three dogs, Ching, Carol and Crackers.
The Queen’s two-storey playhouse
© Print CollectorIn 1932, a young Princess Elizabeth was gifted with a ginormous playhouse by the people of Wales. After it was presented to her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (known then as the Duke and Duchess of York), it was installed on the grounds of the Royal Lodge, where it has remained ever since.
Decadent interiors
© Getty ImagesThe late Princess Margaret, who became an accomplished pianist, developed a love of music from a very young age, and she often played on the piano at the Royal Lodge. Here she is, pictured in 1940, surrounded by decadent furnishings, including framed portraits.
The office of King George VI
© Getty ImagesElizabeth, who shared a close bond with her father, spent a great deal of time learning about state affairs and constitutional history before ascending to the throne. Photographed on 11 April 1942, the Princess can be seen watching King George intently as he worked at his desk in the Royal Lodge.
The exterior
© Getty ImagesThe Royal Lodge is an example of Georgian architecture, particularly with its elegant sash windows. From 1952 to 2002, it was the private residence of the Queen Mother.
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