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Prince Andrew has left Royal Lodge at Windsor after weeks of scrutiny and public pressure. The 65-year-old royal moved out at the start of February and is now staying temporarily at property on the Sandringham estate while his long-term home undergoes work.
Where he relocated and the timing of the move
Reports say Andrew departed Royal Lodge on Monday, February 2. The BBC and other outlets confirmed the move on February 3. His current address is a temporary residence at Sandringham.
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The switch follows growing attention on his living arrangements and wider scrutiny linked to past controversies. Royal aides say renovations at his intended residence are ongoing.
How the 75-year lease shaped his stay
Key lease facts
- The lease dates from 2003 and runs for 75 years.
- It is often described as a peppercorn arrangement, meaning no traditional annual rent was charged.
- When signing, Andrew paid a lump sum for the lease and took on renovation costs.
- He reportedly funded major refurbishments in the mid-2000s.
Because the lease extends into the late 21st century, legal experts noted the Crown Estate would have limited options to evict him without his agreement. The arrangement gave Andrew a secure legal position at Royal Lodge.
Financial terms and what the Crown Estate will pay
Following the vacating of Royal Lodge, media reports say the Crown Estate will make payments tied to the move.
- An initial sum of about £558,000 has been reported.
- In addition, a compensatory payment of roughly £185,865 per year is cited through 2028.
These figures were published by The Times and have been discussed in Royal reporting. They reflect the complexities of long leases, refurbishment obligations, and compensation agreements.
Andrew’s public statement and his change in royal status
Earlier, Andrew announced he would stop using his royal title and honors in order to avoid distraction for the King and the institution. He described the decision as putting duty to family and country first.
He reaffirmed his denial of allegations that have dogged him for years. The move away from Royal Lodge coincides with his stepping back from public-facing roles.
Legal background and the settlement
Andrew faced civil litigation that ended in a private settlement in 2022 with a woman who had accused him of sexual assault. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The criminal and civil headlines related to Jeffrey Epstein have also defined public debate around Andrew’s role and reputation.
Voices reacting to the departure
Royal commentators say leaving Royal Lodge reduces Andrew’s public presence and curtails his control over his personal narrative. Some analysts suggested the move signals a wider distancing from active royal life.
Observers note that the loss of a long-term base inside Windsor marked a symbolic shift for a royal who had lived at Royal Lodge for more than two decades.
