Prince Andrew, formally stripped of his royal titles, is set to receive far less than expected from the Crown Estate for vacating Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
Reports suggest that the property, which he has called home for more than two decades, requires significant repairs—likely reducing his anticipated payout of around £558,000.
Compensation Adjusted for Property Repairs
While Andrew will still receive a one-off six-figure payment to cover moving expenses, the total sum will be smaller than originally planned.
Additionally, King Charles has arranged for a privately funded annual stipend to ensure his disgraced brother does not overspend in his new life as a private citizen.
This annual payment is reportedly several times larger than Andrew’s £20,000-a-year Navy pension, though it will be covered by the King’s private funds, not the Duchy of Lancaster.
Moving to Sandringham Marks a New Chapter
Andrew is expected to relocate to a smaller residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk in the new year, officially completing his internal exile.
His departure from Royal Lodge follows his dramatic stripping of the Duke of York title, cementing his removal from public life.
For years, his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has tainted the royal family’s reputation, and he has long denied allegations of sexual abuse against Virginia Giuffre.
Lease Details Reveal Maintenance Obligations
Andrew had held a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge, paying £1 million upfront in 2003, plus a nominal “peppercorn” rent each year.
He also contributed £7.5 million in refurbishments in 2005.
The lease stipulated strict maintenance duties, including repainting the exterior every five years, interior painting every seven years, and careful upkeep of the seven-bedroom home.
Photos reveal peeling paint and other maintenance issues, which are expected to be deducted from his compensation.
Sarah Ferguson Faces Her Own Choices
Meanwhile, Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson has remained at Royal Lodge but is reportedly reconsidering her future in the UK.
Insiders say she feels increasingly isolated and may decide to move abroad, reflecting on her long-standing loyalty to Andrew while facing the fallout from the family’s scandals.
A Lengthy Move Ahead
Andrew’s departure is not expected to be immediate. Sources describe rooms filled with Amazon deliveries and boxes yet to be unpacked, suggesting the relocation could take weeks or months.
While Andrew and Sarah once supported each other through public scrutiny, the dynamic now appears strained, and both are preparing to embark on separate chapters of their lives.
Life as a Private Citizen
As Andrew begins his new life at Sandringham, he will navigate the challenges of transitioning from high-profile royal to private citizen, with reduced compensation and a carefully monitored financial support package.
The move signals the final phase of his departure from the public stage, closing a controversial chapter in modern royal history.