Prince Andrew on the Brink: Disgraced Duke ‘In Secret Talks’ to Leave Royal Lodge — But His Shock Exit Deal Could Make Him Even Richer
Prince Andrew is reportedly on the verge of leaving his longtime Windsor home, Royal Lodge, in what insiders are describing as one of the most significant royal property shake-ups in decades. But the disgraced Duke’s quiet negotiations to vacate the mansion may come with a stunning twist — a compensation payout that could actually make him wealthier.
According to multiple reports, Andrew has been in private talks with Buckingham Palace officials and Crown Estate representatives about a potential exit arrangement from the 30-room Grade II-listed mansion, which has been his home since 2003. While King Charles has long wanted his brother to downsize to Frogmore Cottage, the property formerly occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Andrew has resisted, citing his long-term lease and personal investment in the estate.
Sources close to the negotiations now claim that Andrew is finally “considering his options,” with discussions centering on a voluntary departure that would see him compensated for ending his 75-year lease early. “He’s been advised that walking away might be more beneficial than continuing to fight,” one insider told The Times. “But if he does go, it won’t be without a significant financial arrangement.”
Andrew originally secured his lease on Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate more than 20 years ago, paying an estimated £1 million for the privilege. Since then, he’s poured millions more into renovations and maintenance — a fact he reportedly plans to use as leverage in any financial settlement. Some royal watchers estimate that his compensation could reach as high as £500,000 to £1 million, depending on how the exit terms are structured.
The move marks a new phase in the Duke’s increasingly precarious position within the royal family. Stripped of his royal patronages and public duties following his association with Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew has largely lived a reclusive life at Royal Lodge alongside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who remains his close companion. While he has attempted to rehabilitate his image through charity work and public appearances, palace insiders suggest that the King is eager to resolve the “Royal Lodge situation” quietly before next year’s royal budget review.
“Charles has been patient, but this is about optics as much as logistics,” said a senior royal correspondent. “Royal Lodge has become a symbol of Andrew’s defiance — and removing that narrative from the royal landscape is a priority.”
However, those close to Andrew insist that his attachment to the property runs deeper than status. Royal Lodge, which once belonged to the Queen Mother, is where Andrew raised his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and has served as a rare constant amid years of turmoil.
Still, financial realities — and mounting pressure from the Palace — appear to be catching up. “He knows the walls are closing in,” another source added. “If he’s going to leave, he wants to do it on his own terms — and with a deal that reflects his investment.”
Whether the disgraced Duke walks away quietly or with a golden handshake remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: after decades behind the gates of Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s royal retreat may soon be nothing more than a memory — albeit one he’s handsomely paid to leave behind.
