Why is Prince Andrew determined to hold onto Royal Lodge at any cost? ‘It’s the last real show of…'

Prince Andrew reportedly has no intention to step out of the Royal Lodge despite escalating renovation costs.

Prince Andrew reportedly has no intention to step out of the Royal Lodge despite escalating renovation costs. The grand mansion, situated at Windsor Great Park, features 30 rooms. The Royal Lodge holds significance for the Andrew's family as his two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie had their royal wedding receptions there.

The Royal Lodge holds significance for the Andrew's family as his two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie had their royal wedding receptions there.(AFP)

It’s also the place where Meghan Markle surprisingly met Prince Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II for the first time during the early phase of her relationship with the Duke of Sussex.

As per Express report, the Royal Lodge is considered as the Duke of York's "last real show of power".

“Andrew is determined to hold onto Royal Lodge at any cost,” a source told the outlet. He has been residing there since 2022, following the demise of his grandmother, the Queen Mother.

However, there has been a huge financial pressure on Andrew after he signed a 75-year lease in 2003, which requires regular repairs and upkeep of the property in exchange for an affordable £250 weekly rent. If the Duke does not keep the property in good condition, he may face eviction.

“He [Andrew] will find the money from somewhere,” the source said while speaking about the renovation cost of the mansion. “It’s a status symbol for him, the last real show of royal power he has left. The only way he will leave that property is if he’s carried out in a wooden box.”

Why is Prince Andrew in hot water?

Prince Andrew received a "stay of execution" from King Charles after he pledged to fund the hefty maintenance costs of the £30 million property, which are estimated to be in the range of £2 million.

According to the Express UK, the Duke of York is apparently "determined" to keep his dearly cherished luxurious royal mansion at any cost. However, he has no official income, and he appears to be patiently awaiting a miracle to complete renovations on the "dilapidated" residence.

In February, the disgraced second son of Queen Elizabeth settled a lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre. She accused him of raping her as a teen victim of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as per a court filing in Manhattan.

The amount to be paid to Giuffre remained confidential, according to the parties' joint statement attached to the petition.