Ex-Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge Up for Grabs in October, New Tenant Faces Strict Rules and Huge Costs

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s former home, Royal Lodge, could soon be up for grabs — but any potential new tenant will reportedly have to clear some major hurdles before moving into the royal residence.

The disgraced former prince, 66, was pushed out of the 31-room Windsor mansion by his older brother King Charles III last year, though he did not officially vacate the property until February, when he relocated to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, were initially tipped to take over the property, reportedly valued at around $40 million, but their father ultimately surrendered his 75-year lease to the Crown Estate amid the fallout from his ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

However, Andrew remains legally responsible for Royal Lodge until October, according to the Mail on Sunday. Once that period expires, the Crown Estate will be able to lease the property to a private tenant.

The outlet reports that the search for a suitable occupant is already underway, with no member of the royal family currently interested in taking over the sprawling home.

But living like royalty won’t come cheap. Any prospective tenant would reportedly need to pass strict security checks and cover the property’s substantial upkeep costs, estimated at around $540,000 a year.

“The Crown Estate is a business, so the bean counters there are relieved Andrew didn’t give up his lease early,” a source told the Mail on Sunday. “The ongoing costs would have become their obligation, not Andrew’s.”

King Charles is reportedly keen for the property to generate commercial income after years of tension with his younger brother over the residence. According to The Sun, the Royal Lodge could command a rent of roughly $1.35 million ($1million) a year.

Questions also remain over the condition of the property, which the Crown Estate is expected to assess once it regains control. Renovations reportedly cannot begin before Andrew’s remaining responsibility for the home ends in October.

Prince William and Princess Kate are not expected to make a play for Royal Lodge after securing a 20-year lease on nearby Forest Lodge, while The Sun‘s report that Queen Camilla could eventually move into the residence has been widely disputed.

Royal Lodge was previously home to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Andrew took out his 75-year lease in 2003, a year after the Queen Mother died.

Andrew’s departure from the Royal Lodge marked the end of a lengthy standoff with Charles over the property, dubbed the “Siege of Royal Lodge” in the British press.