Prince Andrew’s neglect of Royal Lodge has triggered the Windsor property to fall into significant disrepair, a property expert told GB News.
The Duke of York has funded himself since King Charles axed his £1million annual allowance last year in a bid to force Andrew to downsize royal residency.
In an effort to cut royal costs, King Charles suggested Frogmore Cottage, the previous royal residency of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as a suitable alternative for the disgraced duke and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Andrew has since found a legitimate source of funding to stay in the 30-room property, although the source of the money has not been made public.
Prince Andrew’s neglect of Royal Lodge has triggered the Windsor property to fall into significant disrepair, a property expert told GB News
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After signing a 75-year lease with the crown estate in 2003, the Duke of York is now responsible for maintaining the property and the surrounding royal grounds.
A property expert from We Buy Any Home has warned that Andrew’s failure to upkeep the estate could lead to a significant reduction in value.
Terry Fisher told GB News: “An overgrown or poorly maintained garden can significantly impact a property’s value, particularly for a high-profile estate like Royal Lodge.
“The outdoor space is often seen as an extension of the home, and its condition influences a buyer’s perception of the entire property.”
Prince Andrew, who resides in Royal Lodge with his former wife, rarely leaves his Windsor estate GettyHe added: “Neglected grounds could reduce the value by up to 10-15 per cent, especially if restoring it requires substantial time and investment, which could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds for a garden of this scale.
“For an estate like Royal Lodge, the unkempt appearance could deter potential buyers seeking a turnkey property or reduce the pool of interested parties willing to take on such a costly restoration, further driving down its marketability and overall value.”
The Duke of York’s funding was cut in November last year, meaning the property estate has been unkept for three months.
Fisher said: “A garden of this size can begin to show signs of neglect within a few months if not properly maintained, especially during growing seasons when grass, weeds, and shrubs grow rapidly.”
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Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson reside in Royal Lodge
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The comments follow reports from a Historic Royal Palaces gardener, Todd Longstaffe, that reveal that the royal estate is in a “shocking state”.
The property is surrounded by shrubbery and woodland, insiders claim.
Fisher told GB News: “For it to reach a ‘shocking state,’ it’s likely that the garden has seen little to no upkeep for over a year, allowing the grounds to fall into significant disrepair and become increasingly difficult to manage.”
Prince Andrew has kept a low profile since he stepped back as a working royal in 2019 due to public backlash after he discussed his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein in a BBC Newsnight interview.