Prince Andrew faces huge bill for repairs at crumbling Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew is staring down the barrel of a £1million bill for urgent repairs following an inspection on his deteriorating mansion.

The Duke of York has been informed that his 30-room Royal Lodge residence is in "desperate" need of repair and teeters on the brink of "irrevocable decay".

Royal insiders have disclosed that Andrew had initiated talks with representatives of the Crown Estate, although negotiations are now said to be at a standstill. Exclusive photos from The Mirror show the property in a sorry state, with large cracks in the masonry, flaking plaster and discoloured paint around the main house and staff quarters.

It's understood that the 64-year-old has assured he would be able to shoulder the financial responsibilities necessary for essential repairs. As recently as 2019, the house had been painted and showed no signs of dilapidation.

However, the 19th-century Grade II listed property, estimated to be worth around £30million, has plunged into severe disrepair, with escalating levels of damp and mould both inside and outside the buildings, reports the Mirror.

The flat roof to the main structure is on the verge of total collapse having been neglected for two decades, leading to significant damp issues both externally and internally.

Reputable building firms in the area estimate the works will cost £600,000 to tackle the damp, fill substantial cracks to the exterior and re-render the outside.

The extensive scaffolding required for the mansion alone, estimated by local firm BCD Scaffolding, would cost around £200,000 and would be needed for a year. Andrew could also face additional costs of at least £250,000 for interior repairs due to dampness, according to sources.

The Duke spent £7.5 million on renovations when he moved in 20 years ago and agreed to cover all future maintenance costs. However, with his financial situation unclear, there are significant doubts about his ability to meet these obligations.

A Royal source stated: "The house is in a dire state and is in desperate need of repair. The Duke has been told in no uncertain terms that extensive and urgent repairs are needed to ensure the long term viability of the property before it falls into irrevocable decay."

The lodge, designed by John Nash, one of the leading British architects of the Georgian and Regency eras, with later additions by architect Jeffry Wyatt, has been a Royal residence since 1662 and is hidden from public view within the Royal park. Inspections over the last two summers have led experts to recommend urgent work on the roof, damp proofing, and plaster repair throughout the mansion.

Andrew agreed to spend £200,000 on a new roof, which temporarily appeased the King who had urged his brother to either move out or pay for up to £2 million in repairs, including agreed upkeep on adjoining properties and grounds.

The Duke's financial situation has suffered since he stepped back from Royal duties in 2019, following a calamitous BBC Newsnight interview that brought to light his connections with the late convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew's 75-year lease on Royal Lodge began in August 2003, the year after Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother passed away and left the property vacant. He negotiated the lease with the Crown Estate, which was deemed more economically sound than using the residence as a "grace and favour" home for royals.

Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles informed his brother that he would no longer subsidise his lifestyle and suggested he move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage—formerly occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—on the Windsor estate.

However, the prince, accustomed to luxury, declined the offer and chose to remain at Royal Lodge, which he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, despite their divorce 27 years ago.

The Mirror had previously reported that Andrew told friends he holds a "cast iron lease" on Royal Lodge, set to expire in 2078, and he plans to see it through amidst the growing enigma of his financial state. Insiders close to the King indicate that the monarch is becoming increasingly exasperated with his brother's obstinate attitude, especially after presenting him with the chance to downsize.

The insider revealed: "Unfortunately relations are considered to be strained and what was once a promising channel of communication is now deadlocked. Despite this, the Crown Estate is committed to working with the Duke to find the best possible solution so this beautiful residence is not neglected even further."

Since then, any hopes the Duke harboured for reintegration into Royal duties have been dashed by the King and Prince William, who reportedly agree that he should remain excluded from public life.

It comes as the King chose to cease funding Andrew's security detail and personal allowance, a sum believed to run into several million pounds annually. In 2022, he settled a £12 million lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre—who accused him of sexual assault on three occasions when she was 17, allegations he strongly denies—to avoid a US civil trial.

To cover costs, the prince offloaded a high-end Swiss chalet for £17 million, which he co-owned with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, despite reportedly having significant debts on the property. Buckingham Palace has maintained their stance of not commenting on the Duke's private matters.

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