The Royal Lodge Lease

Andrew holds a “cast iron” 75-year lease on Royal Lodge, signed in 2003. At that time, he paid a £1 million fee for the lease and contributed £7.5 million toward renovations, which were completed in 2005. Since then, documents show he has only been required to pay a symbolic rent of “one peppercorn per year,” and only if requested — a sum reportedly valued at around £1.

A source told The Times that King Charles is under pressure to take decisive action, claiming: “[He] should say to Andrew’s face, ‘There’s no choice here. You must leave Royal Lodge. Whatever the lease says. You say you always put your family and country first. Prove it.’”

Allegations and Ongoing Controversy

Calls for Andrew’s removal have intensified following the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, which includes allegations of sexual assault against him. Although Andrew has consistently denied the claims, the case led to a civil lawsuit in the U.S. in 2021. An out-of-court settlement was reached in early 2022 for an undisclosed amount, with Andrew insisting it was not an admission of guilt or liability.

On October 17, Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew would relinquish his remaining royal titles and honors, including the Duke of York title granted to him in 1986.

Negotiations Continue

Discussions reportedly continue between Prince Andrew’s team and representatives of King Charles. New reports suggest Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have put forward a proposal — offering Royal Lodge in exchange for Frogmore Cottage and Adelaide Cottage.

Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.