Andrew faces losing Royal Lodge payout as Sarah Ferguson eyes lavish new home

The sprawling Windsor property, which was home to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for more than two decades, is being lined up for a new chapter after the Crown Estate decided to seek a private tenant for the 30-room mansion.

For months, there has been speculation over whether the imposing residence could eventually be occupied by King Charles or Queen Camilla. 

But those hopes appear to have been put to rest, with royal sources indicating that neither has any intention of moving into the property.

Annual costs are estimated at around £400,000, while the property itself is understood to require extensive work before it can welcome a new occupant.

Andrew originally secured the lease in 2003, paying £8 million for a 75-year arrangement. 

That lease remains in place until the end of October, meaning the Crown Estate cannot begin major refurbishment unless he agrees to surrender it earlier.

A report prepared for MPs described Royal Lodge as “dilapidated”, with substantial repairs required. 

Given the reported state of the mansion, the Crown Estate expects that he is unlikely to receive a payout.

Despite its potential as a hotel, conference venue or other commercial development, such plans have reportedly been ruled out because of the Estate's obligation to preserve the character of Windsor's royal park and forest.

The developments surrounding Royal Lodge come at an intriguing time for Sarah Ferguson, who previously shared the Windsor home with her former husband.

Ferguson is said to be considering a six-bedroom gated property in the Home Counties, reportedly costing around £10,000 a month.