His lease requires him to paint the Royal Lodge with two coats of paint every five years
Prince Andrew has failed to keep up the terms of his lease after not painting the Royal Lodge last year(Image credit: Google Earth)
Prince Andrew is reportedly facing challenges in maintaining the Royal Lodge, with claims he is falling behind on necessary renovations.
The Duke of York, currently residing at the Royal Lodge in Windsor with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, is required to paint the house every five years, adding to his growing list of responsibilities and pressures.
However, with the renovations remaining incomplete, sources close to King Charles have suggested Prince Andrew could be "forced" to move from the Royal Lodge if he cannot afford the upkeep.
What is Prince Andrew's lease agreement?
Prince Andrew’s 75-year lease agreement with the Crown Estate requires him to “repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild” the home.
The agreement specifies that the walls of the 30-bedroom property must be repainted every five years “with two coats of paint” from 2008 onwards.
Additionally, inside the house, the Duke is obligated to “paint with at least two coats of paint and to paper, polish, decorate and otherwise appropriately treat” every seven years, starting from 2010.
Prince Andrew a year behind on renovations
Prince Andrew has reportedly fallen behind on his renovations(Image credit: Getty Images)
Sources close to the matter have highlighted that the ongoing upkeep of the historic estate is proving to be a significant burden.
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The painting of the Royal Lodge was meant to completed last year but has still not been done.
The Duke of York's financial difficulties have been well-documented, and the mounting costs of maintaining such a large property are only exacerbating his situation.
As the public scrutinises his every move, the pressure to keep the Royal Lodge in top condition adds another layer to his ongoing struggles.
King Charles could 'force' Andrew to leave
Prince Andrew's future at the Royal Lodge is uncertain as King Charles signals a halt to funding his brother's lifestyle at the 93-acre property.
The Royal Lodge, previously home to the Queen Mother, has become a contentious issue due to Prince Andrew's insistence on staying despite financial constraints.
Additionally, the King's financial support for the Duke's £3 million-per-year security bill and over £1 million annual allowance is now in question with it being suggested he move into the much smaller, and easy to manage Frogmore Cottage, which he has refused.
A source close to the King reportedly revealed to The Times: “Everyone is mindful of his wellbeing and has his best interests at heart, but there are limits of patience and tolerance.”
Another source apparently suggested that Prince Andrew's departure from the Royal Lodge could happen “with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him.”
We have approached Buckingham Palace for comment but have yet to receive a response.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
