Prince Andrew May Leave Royal Lodge for Frogmore Cottage

Published: ২৭ October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Prince Andrew is reportedly prepared to leave Royal Lodge, the 30-bedroom mansion he has long called home, but only on the condition that he secures Frogmore Cottage, the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The move comes amid growing public and political pressure following renewed scrutiny over Andrew’s controversial links to Jeffrey Epstein, which have fueled calls for him to vacate the property immediately.

According to sources close to the Prince, Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, have negotiated an arrangement: Andrew would relocate to Frogmore Cottage, while Sarah would move to Adelaide Cottage, which the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to leave next month. “No one is really sure how it’s going to go down at the Palace yet,” a friend of the couple told The Sun. “Andy is willing to leave, but these are his demands. He is realistic and knows the writing is on the wall and that his time at Royal Lodge is up. If he must go then he has asked for Frogmore Cottage.”

Andrew has faced a mounting wave of criticism in recent weeks, particularly following the posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, which renewed public attention on the allegations surrounding his association with Epstein. While Andrew continues to strenuously deny all claims, the memoir’s publication has intensified calls for accountability, both within the royal family and among political figures. The scrutiny has coincided with growing media coverage and public debate about the appropriateness of Andrew’s continued residency at Royal Lodge.

Adding to the controversy is the revelation that Andrew has not paid rent on Royal Lodge for over two decades. Reports indicate that he initially paid £1 million for the lease in 2003, but has not made further payments since then. This detail has sparked debate among MPs and commentators, with some calling for a Commons debate to address both the financial and ethical questions surrounding his tenancy. The combination of unpaid rent and his controversial public profile has intensified pressure for a resolution that satisfies both the Palace and public expectations.

The logistics of such a move remain unclear. Frogmore Cottage, which gained international attention as the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is situated within the grounds of Windsor Castle and has been renovated extensively in recent years. The proposal for Andrew to occupy the residence represents a highly unusual arrangement, not least because the property was associated with a different branch of the royal family and has been subject to extensive refurbishment at public expense. Nevertheless, Andrew’s reported willingness to relocate suggests an acknowledgment of the increasing untenability of his current position at Royal Lodge.

Sarah Ferguson, who remains on amicable terms with Andrew, is expected to move to Adelaide Cottage, a property soon to be vacated by the Prince and Princess of Wales. This arrangement, if it proceeds as reported, would involve a complex reshuffling of royal residences and likely require formal approval from senior members of the monarchy. Sources indicate that both Andrew and Ferguson are seeking a solution that minimizes disruption while allowing them to maintain a degree of privacy and independence amid ongoing public scrutiny.

The proposed move has also reignited conversations about the broader role and responsibilities of the royal family in addressing controversies surrounding individual members. Critics argue that Andrew’s continued access to high-profile residences, combined with the lack of financial contribution for decades, raises questions about accountability and the use of public funds. Supporters of the Prince, meanwhile, emphasize the legal and traditional considerations that accompany royal housing arrangements, noting that residences like Royal Lodge and Frogmore Cottage are often subject to long-term leases and intricate management agreements.

Andrew’s potential relocation to Frogmore Cottage represents more than a simple change of address. It reflects the delicate balancing act faced by the royal family: managing public expectations, upholding the dignity of the institution, and resolving internal conflicts among its members. The situation underscores the continuing tension between personal privileges, public perception, and the responsibility of high-profile individuals to act transparently.

As pressure mounts, political figures have weighed in on the matter. Some MPs have suggested that Andrew’s tenancy at Royal Lodge be formally reviewed, citing the combination of unpaid rent and ongoing controversy as justification. Others have urged the government and the monarchy to expedite any decisions, noting that prolonged uncertainty could further damage public trust in the royal institution. The potential Commons debate could bring the issue into the public arena in a way that has not been seen since previous high-profile royal controversies, highlighting the intersection of governance, tradition, and accountability.

The Palace has remained largely silent on the details of Andrew’s housing arrangements, emphasising that discussions about royal residences are internal matters. However, sources suggest that senior members are aware of the proposed relocation and are considering options that would balance the interests of the individuals involved with the broader reputation of the monarchy. Whether the plan to move Andrew to Frogmore Cottage will be approved remains to be seen, but the report signals a potential turning point in a saga that has captured international attention.

In the meantime, public and media scrutiny of Andrew’s actions continues unabated. His ongoing legal and reputational challenges, combined with the complex dynamics of royal housing, ensure that any developments will be closely followed by commentators, politicians, and the public alike. Observers note that the situation highlights the unique challenges faced by members of the royal family, whose private decisions can have far-reaching implications for both their personal standing and the institution as a whole.

The arrangement, if it proceeds, would mark a new chapter in Andrew’s life, allowing him to leave Royal Lodge while securing a high-profile residence. For Sarah Ferguson, the move to Adelaide Cottage could provide an opportunity to maintain her own residence within the royal estate while remaining close to her former husband. Together, these moves would represent a carefully negotiated compromise amid an ongoing climate of scrutiny, controversy, and public interest.

As the story develops, attention will likely focus on the practicalities of the relocation, the response from the Palace, and the implications for the royal family’s public image. With mounting pressure from MPs, media, and the public, Andrew’s reported demand for Frogmore Cottage represents both a strategic maneuver and a potential flashpoint in the ongoing discussion about accountability, privilege, and transparency within the monarchy.