The pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew. King Charles reportedly wants him to relinquish the sprawling comfort of Royal Lodge for the more modest confines of Frogmore Cottage, a move directly linked to the enduring fallout from the Epstein scandal.
Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity at Frogmore, with decorators and workers present around the clock. The cottage, six miles from Royal Lodge, stands ready – a silent anticipation hanging in the air. It was once the carefully curated home of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who invested £2.4 million in its refurbishment.
That extensive renovation, initially funded by taxpayers and later reimbursed by the Duke and Duchess, included structural work, updated utilities, and even specialized soundproofing to mitigate Heathrow’s aircraft noise. Princess Eugenie briefly resided there during lockdown, but since then, it has remained largely untouched.
Those familiar with the Windsor estate describe a long-standing perception of Prince Andrew as arrogant and demanding, a trait noted even before the allegations surfaced. Stories circulate of preferential treatment sought – barriers raised, rather than adhering to standard traffic protocols. A wager was even made, before the scandal broke, on whether someone could deliberately impede his vehicle with a bollard.
The incident stemmed from a previous display of entitlement, when he forced his way through a closed gate at a deer enclosure adjacent to Royal Lodge. The question of Sarah Ferguson’s potential involvement in any move continues to fuel speculation.
The prince’s position has become increasingly precarious since stepping down from official duties in October. Scrutiny remains intense, focused on his past association with Jeffrey Epstein and inconsistencies in his accounts compared to those of Virginia Giuffre, whose recent book reignited the controversy. He currently holds a lease on Royal Lodge until 2078, a long-term arrangement now under review.
Frogmore Cottage, in contrast to other royal residences, is often described as “the shed at the bottom of the garden.” While a substantial property valued around £5 million, it pales in comparison to Clarence House (£43 million), Sandringham (£60 million), or Buckingham Palace’s staggering £2.5 billion valuation. A downgrade to Frogmore would be a significant shift in status.
There’s also discussion of a potential move for Sarah Ferguson to Adelaide Cottage, placing the former couple in close proximity within the Windsor grounds. Reports indicate constant work at Frogmore, with lights burning late into the night and a steady stream of tradespeople. The cottage appears ready for occupancy, requiring minimal additional work after the Sussexes’ extensive renovations.
Adding another layer to the story is the mystery surrounding Sunninghill Park, the prince’s former marital home. Sold to a Kazakhstani oligarch nearly two decades ago, it has reportedly remained vacant ever since, despite ongoing maintenance. Satellite imagery reveals no signs of habitation, with heavy shutters drawn and security personnel stationed at the gate.
Buckingham Palace has offered no comment on the unfolding situation, leaving the future of Prince Andrew’s residence – and his role within the royal family – shrouded in uncertainty.
