Prince Andrew’s once-majestic Royal Lodge is now a shadow of its former self, plagued by dampness and neglect.
An insider has shared with Express.co.uk a vivid description of the 30-room mansion, revealing just how far the Duke of York has fallen since being stripped of his royal duties amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal—a situation he vehemently denies.
The state of disrepair in which Royal Lodge currently finds itself is shocking.
Sources close to Andrew suggest that losing this cherished residence would hit him harder than any public scandal.
The lodge, riddled with moisture issues, has become a haven for mold and mildew, leading to frequent calls to pest control services like Rentokil.
Upon entering, visitors might feel an eerie sense of abandonment, reminiscent of Miss Havisham’s decaying estate.
The cold interior, coupled with a noticeable lack of fresh air, highlights the absence of regular upkeep.
With dwindling staff presence, basic tasks such as opening windows seem to have fallen by the wayside.
An insider notes that the house, like any aging property, desperately needs proper ventilation to combat the dampness.
Despite occasional cosmetic repairs—like temporarily shutting off electricity to address wet walls—the underlying problems persist.
The entire structure requires a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than just surface fixes.
Adding to the woes, reports indicate that the Windsor estate is at risk of flooding, necessitating urgent damp-proofing measures.
Its expansive parkland tends to retain more water, exacerbating the moisture issues for nearby residences.
Concerns about health risks related to the mold have led younger royals to hesitate bringing their children to the lodge.
In a bid to maintain appearances, Andrew recently spent £20,000 on exterior paintwork, raising eyebrows about his financial situation.
Scaffolding was also spotted last month, signaling ongoing attempts at repairs.
Sources claim that despite lacking a formal income, the Duke is determined to keep up with maintenance costs that already run into millions.
Royal Lodge demands hundreds of thousands annually just to remain habitable.
If Andrew loses this property, insiders say, it would mark a significant personal loss.
He is reportedly doing everything possible to comply with his lease requirements while work is underway.
Currently, renovations include repairs to walls and windows, as well as external painting.
King Charles granted Andrew a temporary reprieve last year, allowing him to stay in the lodge on the condition that he covers the hefty repair bills, estimated at around £2 million.
Since signing a 75-year lease in 2003, Andrew has faced mounting financial pressure tied to the maintenance of this historic estate.
The property, which has seen better days, is in a dire state of disrepair.
Moss coats the exterior, and paint is peeling, while the lease stipulates that the outside must be painted every five years, starting in 2008.
The interior, too, is suffering, with delays in necessary remodeling that should have occurred every seven years since 2010.
The source emphasizes that the decay is not limited to the exterior.
Inside, Andrew has repeatedly postponed essential repairs.
Windowsills in the drawing room are covered in mold, and even the orangery, once a highlight of the home, is now marred by rotting woodwork and damaged doors.
In the TV room, an old television sits among a fireplace in desperate need of cleaning, which is complicated by damaged tiles.
The overall atmosphere resembles a run-down Victorian seaside hotel, albeit one filled with rare artworks and antiques.
To make matters worse, rodents have taken up residence, with pest control vehicles frequently parked outside.
Even basic facilities like the restrooms are in disarray, with flushing issues that speak to years of neglect.
The 17th-century Royal Lodge has a storied past, having been rebuilt in 1830 for King George V and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
However, its history of maintenance troubles is all too evident, and it seems that what was once a regal residence now requires a complete renovation to restore it to its former glory.
Related Stories
