Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew to relinquish the sprawling comfort of Royal Lodge. King Charles is reportedly urging him to downsize, with Frogmore Cottage – once the home of Prince Harry and Meghan – as the proposed new residence. The move comes as the repercussions of the Epstein scandal continue to reverberate through the royal family.
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity at Frogmore Cottage, with decorators and workers present around the clock. This heightened pace fuels speculation that a transition is rapidly approaching. The Grade II-listed property, a historical residence dating back to the early 19th century, stands ready, having undergone a substantial £2.4 million refurbishment just six years ago.
That extensive renovation, initially funded by taxpayers and later reimbursed by Prince Harry, included structural improvements, updated utilities, and even specialized soundproofing to mitigate aircraft noise. Princess Eugenie briefly occupied the cottage during lockdown, but it has remained largely vacant since Harry and Meghan officially departed in 2023.
However, Frogmore represents a significant step down in royal accommodations. Compared to residences like Clarence House, Sandringham, and Buckingham Palace – valued at tens and even hundreds of millions – Frogmore is considered “the shed at the bottom of the garden.” Its estimated market value of £5 million pales in comparison to the grandeur enjoyed by other members of the royal family.
The potential move isn’t solely about Prince Andrew. Speculation also surrounds his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, with talk of her relocating to Adelaide Cottage, placing the former couple in close proximity within the Windsor estate. Ferguson has already relinquished her official titles, adding another layer to the unfolding situation.
Beyond the physical relocation, the move is steeped in a history of perceived entitlement. Those familiar with Prince Andrew’s behavior describe a long-standing arrogance, even predating the Epstein allegations. Stories circulate of demands for special treatment, like insisting on barriers being raised instead of navigating roads like other residents.
An anecdote reveals a wager among staff – a bottle of whisky for anyone who could intentionally guide his car onto a bollard – stemming from an incident where he forcibly broke through a gate at a deer enclosure. This history of perceived disregard for rules and protocol underscores the complexities surrounding his current predicament.
The scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew intensifies with the recent release of Virginia Giuffre’s book, further detailing allegations related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Discrepancies in his accounts continue to fuel public concern and legal challenges. He currently holds a lease at Royal Lodge until 2078, a long-term arrangement now under review.
Adding to the intrigue is the mystery surrounding Sunninghill Park, the couple’s former marital home. Sold to a Kazakhstani oligarch nearly two decades ago, the mansion appears to have remained vacant, despite ongoing maintenance. Satellite imagery reveals no signs of occupancy, with heavy shutters drawn and security guards stationed at the gate.
Ultimately, any future accommodation for Prince Andrew will be privately funded by King Charles, signaling a clear shift in financial responsibility. The King’s decision reflects a desire to distance the monarchy from the ongoing controversy and reshape the image of the royal family for the future.
