Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, continues to hold his ground regarding his residence at the prestigious Royal Lodge, despite ongoing scrutiny over his ability to afford the 30-bedroom property.
His financial situation and means of supporting his lifestyle have become the subject of intense public and media interest. Questions have been raised about how the prince, no longer a working royal and stripped of many royal privileges, manages the substantial costs associated with maintaining the Royal Lodge. Despite these challenges, sources suggest that he has devised strategies to ensure the continuity of his residency.
According to an insider who spoke to The Sun on Sunday, Prince Andrew has been resourceful in arranging for his personal security at a significantly reduced rate, ensuring he can bear the costs himself. “He has his security, but at a cheaper rate, and he is managing to finance it himself,” the source explained. They added, “He has dug his heels in and is refusing to move, so he’s found a way to finance his security. How sustainable this is in the long term, only time will tell.”
The prince's reluctance to leave the property has led to speculation about the extent and nature of his financial resources. While the exact details remain unclear, author and royal commentator Andrew Lownie suggests that Prince Andrew likely has multiple income streams that allow him to maintain his lifestyle. Lownie, who is currently working on a book about the Duke, remarked, “Prince Andrew is likely to have many forms of income,” further fueling curiosity about the sources of his wealth.
The Royal Lodge, a Grade II-listed building located on the Windsor estate, has been Andrew’s home for decades. The property was initially leased from the Crown Estate under a long-term agreement. However, the prince’s non-royal status and ongoing controversies have prompted questions about the appropriateness of his continued residence there, particularly given its high upkeep costs.
Public debate over the Duke's finances and residence comes at a time when the royal family faces increasing calls for transparency. The revelations about Andrew’s financial arrangements underscore the complexities of his position as a former working royal navigating life outside the firm while clinging to the privileges of his previous status.
Ultimately, Prince Andrew’s determination to stay at the Royal Lodge, coupled with his resourcefulness in funding his security and lifestyle, reflects a broader struggle over his role and future within the royal framework. How long he can sustain this arrangement remains uncertain, but the situation continues to capture public interest and provoke broader conversations about royal finances and accountability.
