Prince Andrew is 'unlikely' to move out of his home in the Queen Mother's £30million Windsor mansion despite his money woes, it has been reported. The Duke of York is currently residing at Royal Lodge.
He was given a 75-year lease of the property following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002. The Mirror reports that as part of the agreement he struck when moving into the home, the 62-year-old is reportedly required to carry out significant refurbishments on the property.
The last major works were carried out 20 years ago, and it is not known if more are scheduled in the near future. However, a source told Mail Online that Andrew is "pretty unlikely" to leave the property. Andrew lives there with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, with the former couple remaining close despite their divorce. The lavish home has been valued at £30m and boasts 30 rooms including a huge conservatory, living rooms, and even an indoor pool.
The Duke's money situation has come under intense scrutiny over recent months due to the conclusion of a sexual abuse case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre. The case, which saw Andrew accused of sexually abusing her on three occasions, was settled out of court.
It was reported that the case ended with a £12m to Ms Giuffre's team, leaving the Duke's finances in a significantly worse state. It is unclear how he now funds his lifestyle and can pay for works on the Grade II listed property. According to the Telegraph, he is currently selling a ski chalet he owns, which was bought by his ex-wife in 2014 for £8m with a mortgage and private funding from the Queen.
When he was a "working royal," it was suggested that Prince Andrew received about £250,000 per year, but that income stopped when he stepped down from official royal duties in 2019. Andrew also receives an armed forces pension, thought to be about £20,000 a year.
The historic Royal Lodge had been mooted by some as a potential home for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Kate, William and their three children are said to be considering a move to Windsor to be closer to the Queen and London. Another potential home for them is thought to be Adelaide Cottage, which is in the grounds of the Windsor Home Park. It was built in 1831 by King William IV.
