Why King Charles Should Hold Off on Any Future Decisions About Andrew’s Royal Lodge

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and King Charles attend a Service of Thanksgiving; (inset) Royal Lodge, a Grade II-listed property in Windsor Great Park. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo; (inset) The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Nov. 19 2025, Published 03:01 AM. ET

King Charles has been trying his best to restore public confidence in the monarchy after his brother's recent scandal. He not only stripped Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his remaining titles but also asked him to vacate Royal Lodge, the 30-room estate he had occupied since the early 2000s. While the former Prince is currently counting his days in the Grade II-listed property, a property expert has warned that the Palace’s next move carries real risk, especially if the Estate is being rented to anyone with close ties to the royal family.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Order of the Garter Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and King Charles attend the Order of the Garter Service. (Image Source: Getty Images | Peter Nicholls - WPA Pool)

Speaking to GB News, property expert Robin Edwards has suggested that any future tenant of Royal Lodge must be ‘heavily vetted’ after Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, vacate the property. He urged, "Any potential tenant would have to be heavily vetted and made sure not to have any possible skeletons in their closet that could reflect poorly on the royal family.”

He cited Fort Belvedere, the former residence of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, to argue his case. After Edward abdicated his throne in 1936, he was asked to vacate the property since it belonged to the Crown and was tied to his position as a sovereign. Since the early 1980s, Fort Belvedere has been leased to the billionaire Weston family, a household known for their long-standing relationship with the royal family.

Image Source: Getty Images| The Print Collector/Heritage Images — Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. (Image Source: Getty Images | The Print Collector/Heritage Images)

The expert pointed out, "They were often guests of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother when she resided at Royal Lodge, and they were also known to host Queen Elizabeth II at the fort.” Given this history, Edwards warns, "There is the potential that Royal Lodge could similarly be leased to another close friend or connection of the royal family." But he cautions that there is a real danger in taking such a move. A new tenant with financial troubles or even a minor controversy can again push the Palace into criticism at a time when the King is trying to limit reputational damage. So, in Edwards’ words, a familiar connection does not always guarantee true security.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor attends day eleven of the Wimbledon Tennis Championship. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang/WireImage) — Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor attends day eleven of the Wimbledon Tennis Championship. (Image Source: Getty Images | Karwai Tang/WireImage)

But when is Mountbatten-Windsor vacating the property? After reportedly being banished to Norfolk, the disgraced royal is said to shift to a smaller residence on the King's Sandringham estate in early 2026. The timing appears deliberate, likely to avoid any awkward encounter between him and the members of the royal family during Christmas, an occasion he is reportedly not invited to. Interestingly, he was spotted out and about recently for the first time since losing his titles. On November 17, he was seen horseback riding at Windsor Castle.