Ex-Prince Andrew Surrenders Lease on Another Royal Residence

The former Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is set to return the keys to East Lodge, a quaint cottage located near Windsor that he has leased since 1998. The decision comes as part of a broader scrutiny surrounding Andrew’s finances and recent controversies linked to his personal conduct.

Reports emerged on March 3, 2026, detailing that Andrew has been asked to surrender the lease of the Grade II-listed property, which has served as a residence for a staff member since he began leasing the cottage on commercial terms. This stipulation was confirmed by the Crown Estate, which manages the property on behalf of the monarchy. The early termination of the lease is believed to have been prompted by a request for information submitted by the BBC regarding the residence.

East Lodge has been rented by Andrew for an annual fee of approximately £17,000. This rate is significantly lower compared to rental prices in the area, where properties can command monthly rents exceeding £8,000. Originally, the lease was set to expire in July 2027, indicating the Crown Estate’s desire to cut ties with the former prince ahead of the projected timeline.

Andrew’s removal from East Lodge follows his eviction from Royal Lodge, his well-known residence in Windsor Great Park, where he had lived since 2003. The decision to evict him was made public in October 2025, amid growing concerns about his past associations, particularly with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. King Charles III has been at the forefront of scrutinising Andrew’s situation, which has been marred by allegations of serious misconduct linked to Epstein, who was convicted of sex offences and died in 2019 while awaiting trial on further charges.

In January 2022, following a contentious legal battle, Andrew lost his military titles and royal patronages. The court dismissed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought against him by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers. Subsequently, Andrew reached a financial settlement with Giuffre in February 2022. The fallout from these events led him to significantly withdraw from royal duties, an action that was emphasised following a widely publicised interview with the BBC.

In early February, on his 66th birthday, Andrew officially vacated Royal Lodge and was reported to be temporarily residing at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk whilst he sought another future residence, which is presently undergoing renovation. However, his circumstances took a dramatic turn when police arrested him on suspicion of misconduct in public office shortly after moving to Wood Farm. The investigation involves allegations that he may have shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy for the UK in the 2000s.

This arrest, taking place on February 19, has thrust Andrew back into the spotlight, raising questions about his future and the implications for the royal family. Following around 11 hours in police custody, he was released while investigations continue. Should he be charged and ultimately convicted, he could potentially face serious legal repercussions, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on the table.

In light of these ongoing developments, royal commentators have expressed concerns regarding the trajectory of Andrew’s life and career. Author Catherine Mayer, featured in an exclusive cover story, remarked that “a stronger intervention earlier on might have prevented all of this,” hinting at the complexities surrounding Andrew’s past and his relationships.

As the former Duke of York navigates these turbulent waters, the royal family remains under increasing pressure to address the implications of his actions and their impact on the monarchy’s image. The Crown Estate’s decision to terminate Andrew’s lease underscores a growing desire to separate the institution from any lingering controversies associated with him. The situation continues to evolve, and the future for Andrew and his connection to royal residences remains uncertain.