Set in Windsor Great Park, Royal Lodge is a grand estate with rambling gardens, currently housing Prince Andrew (the former Duke of York) and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Prince Andrew has garnered a lot of attention since his alleged affiliation with Jeffrey Epstein, which forced effective early retirement from official royal duties as Queen Elizabeth II stripped him of royal and military titles. With a huge reduction in his royal allowance and news that the prince has been forced to relinquish his titles, we take a look at the history and significance of Prince Andrew's current residence.
Royal Lodge’s origins can be traced back to the mid-17th century. Initially constructed as a modest farmhouse in 1662, it underwent several transformations to become the elegant residence it is today. The house as we recognise it was largely developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, evolving from a quaint retreat into a more substantial and stately home befitting its royal occupants.
One of the earliest notable residents of Royal Lodge was King George IV, who used it as a hunting lodge. Its picturesque setting within Windsor Great Park made it an ideal location for royal leisure activities. King William IV then had the house demolished and rebuilt around 1830, and it continued to house members of the royal family, providing a sanctuary away from the formality of court life at Windsor Castle.
In the early 20th century, Royal Lodge became closely associated with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. After the abdication crisis of 1936, the couple moved into Royal Lodge, which is more private and secluded than other royal residences. It was here that the future Queen Elizabeth II spent much of her childhood. In fact, the quaint, thatched Welsh Wendy House the former Queen Elizabeth II received as a gift (known as Y Bwthyn Bach) remains on the property to this day.
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, cherished Royal Lodge as her private residence from 1936 until her passing in 2002. During her tenure, she oversaw various renovations, ensuring the property retained its historical charm while accommodating modern conveniences.
Architecturally, Royal Lodge is a splendid example of Georgian architecture, characterised by its symmetrical design, sash windows, and classical proportions. The interiors reflect a blend of traditional design and personal touches added by its various royal occupants over the centuries. The house includes notable features such as the large drawing room, where many family gatherings have occurred, and the original conservatory.
In 2003, Queen Elizabeth II granted Prince Andrew, then Duke of York, the lease to Royal Lodge, which involved him undertaking major renovations. Since then, the Duke has made it his primary residence, along with his former wife Sarah Ferguson (despite their divorce in 1996). Their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie spent a large proportion of their childhood there. The property consists of 30 rooms, a Chapel Lodge, six lodge cottages, and a gardener’s cottage.
The alleged feud over Prince Andrew's tenancy at the house is being dubbed 'the siege of Royal Lodge' by the media, with King Charles supposedly pressuring Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage. The cottage, which formerly belonged to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, would cost a lot less to run and is currently unoccupied. Whilst some speculate that Sarah Ferguson is particularly keen to stay put in her family home, TalkTV host Kevin O'Sullivan has said that he believes Andrew wants to hold tight to Royal Lodge for ‘symbolic reasons’, believing he's unwilling to relinquish one of his final connections to the royal family.
