What will happen to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s beloved Royal Lodge? Ex-Prince’s biographer reveals all

Ahead of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest over suspicion of misconduct in public office, we sat down with royal biographer, Andrew Lownie to garner insight into the disgraced royal amid this major crisis. Author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, Lownie has spent four years researching Queen Elizabeth II’s second-born son and has a wealth of knowledge about his life behind closed doors. We asked him how King Charles is supporting his exiled brother and what he thinks will happen to the now-empty Royal Lodge after Andrew was forced to give it up…

With Royal Lodge in a state of disrepair, it indicated that Andrew could have been in financial turmoil, unable to fund the upkeep of his 30-room mansion. So, what now that he’s housed on King Charles’ Sandringham estate? The former Duke of York is temporarily staying at Wood Farm but is set to relocate to Marsh Farm after it is prepared for him. Is His Majesty footing the bill for everything? Probably, says Lownie: “The King has undertaken to support him from private income, and I think that will continue to be the case.”

‘Reinvent’ Royal Lodge

The Grade-II listed property, located in Windsor, boasts 30 rooms and 21 acres of stunning grounds. It has a fascinating history within the royal family, with King George IV using it as a hunting lodge, and it also serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood home. The lease was granted to Andrew in 2003, who has lived there until he moved out earlier this month. 

© Getty Images

While it’s not uncommon for royal residences to get passed around between royals for accommodation, there doesn’t appear to be anyone suitable for taking on this mega property, which also comes with a big bill for upkeep. The fact it is a money pit, may require King Charles to think about his next step lucratively. Lownie even suggests opening it to the public instead.

“I think that’s the problem with these royal properties, they have traditionally gone to courtiers. There are very few people like the Westons who had Belvedere, who can afford to live there.

“I’m sure the Chinese ambassador would love it as a residence, but I mean, that’s not going to happen when it’s in the security zone. I think they’ve got to change the security cordon, perhaps, and make it a public building open for people to visit, maybe as a tribute, for example, to the Queen Mother and the late Queen who grew up there. That might be one option.”

“Reinvent it as a place to visit in the way they’re doing with Balmoral”

He compares it to Balmoral, which has now opened its doors to visitors, under King Charles’ watchful eye. “Reinvent it as a place to visit in the way they’re doing with Balmoral. And I suspect we’ll see that with other homes. I think Buckingham Palace could now become very much a public building that’s open to the public. And [the monarchy] could raise large sums of money doing it.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest

Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday (19 February). Thames Valley Police held him for 11 hours under suspicion of misconduct in public office and despite being released, he is still under investigation. Charles’ brother attempted to go incognito when leaving Aylsham Police Station, but he was pictured in the back of a car and that photo has since circulated on the internet.

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

After the arrest, which marks the first of a senior royal in almost 400 years, Buckingham Palace shared a statement from the King, which read: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all,” His Majesty continued.