Prince Andrew, Duke of York Current Events 7: February 2015

[Hallo girl]

Originally Posted by Moonmaiden23

So....you are saying that when his grandmother died it was more like Andrew just out of the wild blue yonder decided that Royal Lodge was right up his alley?

And since it's a grace and favor property why is it reported everywhere except Architectural Digest that the late queen wanted him to take over the lease when she died? How did her name come into the story at all?

Wasn't she living at Clarence House when she died?

I believe she died at Royal Lodge, but yes she did have a home at Clarence House. You have actually said it yourself , take over the lease....... The Queen Mother did not own therefore could not leave it to him. And maybe she did want him to live there, the Duke of York connection etc, I have no idea , but you can only leave what you own.

[Granada]

The whole Andrew situation is SO bizarre to me. Wasn't he made to agree and understand that Royal Lodge would be his ( and if his daughters wanted) for the full 75 year lease ? He signed the lease in 2003 or 2004. Poured millions into it and has lived there for nearly 20 years.

Andrew, his financial advisors AND The Queen HAD to have had a plan in mind regarding Andrew's housing. A 75 year lease seems "long term" to me. One that The Queen, Philip, Charles and Andrew would have known ALL the stipulations to. And Elizabeth making sure whatever financing needed thru trusts was in place. Royal Lodge was her childhood County Home, so it must have had a special place in her heart

I can't believe that She would have thought Andrew would get tossed out of there months after her death. Again, I loath him, but the optics and speed seem dark to me. It is assumed that Andrew inherited millions, why the ABSOLUTE rush now to get him out ? He surely has the needed assets to pay in the short term, a few years anyway and decide where he would like to go. Maybe Frogmore Cottage isn't to his liking anyway.

And that William *supposedly* wants it. Or that William would say, "to bad Uncle Andrew I WANT your home, for my family now" . Basically get out.
Geez, it sounds so very Game of Thrones. And dysfunctional.
Just what Harry keeps alleging about The Windsors. I hate that.

I'm in total agreement with the termination of the lease for the Sussex's and Frogmore. But totally baffled about The Royal Lodge situation. I hope Charles isn't reneging on agreements with his siblings, that THEY THOUGHT were in place. Like this and the Duke of Edinburgh Title.

We shall see......

And what does this mean for Edward and Sophie's lease ? If say William in 20 years hypothetically decides he wants it for Charlotte or Louis ?

[muriel]

Originally Posted by Moonmaiden23

And since it's a grace and favor property why is it reported everywhere except Architectural Digest that the late queen wanted him to take over the lease when she died? How did her name come into the story at all?

Wasn't she living at Clarence House when she died?

It may well be that the Queen Mother, or indeed, QE2, wanted Andrew to take over Royal Lodge. But he certainly did not inherit the property. He had to acquire the lease on an arms length transaction.
At the time of her death, QEQMs homes included Clarence House and Royal Lodge, both of which were grace and favour homes, Birkhall (owned privately by QE2) and the Castle of Mey, owned by QEQM herself.

Originally Posted by Moonmaiden23

ETA: Hallo girl, I bet my next month Sephora budget that William wants RL for himself...and that he will get it.

Should Andrew not be using it, I am perfectly happy with William taking on Royal Lodge. I see nothing wrong with it. That said, I believe he will probably move into Windsor Castle in the not too distant future.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Granada

I'm in total agreement with the termination of the lease for the Sussex's and Frogmore. But totally baffled about The Royal Lodge situation. I hope Charles isn't reneging on agreements with his siblings, that THEY THOUGHT were in place. Like this and the Duke of Edinburgh Title.

We shall see......

And what does this mean for Edward and Sophie's lease ? If say William in 20 years hypothetically decides he wants it for Charlotte or Louis ?

I mean that sounds exactly what is going on. And frankly, the minor royals should make note of it. Nothing is guaranteed. Whatever was promised by one can be ignored by the other. We are literally seeing it play out now.

All I am hearing from the royal media (and it of course speculation) is that Andrew can very well stay put. His mother set him up to be able to stay where he is. She set ALL her children up well.

[.....]

[muriel]

Originally Posted by Granada

The whole Andrew situation is SO bizarre to me. Wasn't he made to agree and understand that Royal Lodge would be his ( and if his daughters wanted) for the full 75 year lease ? He signed the lease in 2003 or 2004. Poured millions into it and has lived there for nearly 20 years.

Andrew, his financial advisors AND The Queen HAD to have had a plan in mind regarding Andrew's housing. A 75 year lease seems "long term" to me. One that The Queen, Philip, Charles and Andrew would have known ALL the stipulations to. And Elizabeth making sure whatever financing needed thru trusts was in place. Royal Lodge was her childhood County Home, so it must have had a special place in her heart

I can't believe that She would have thought Andrew would get tossed out of there months after her death. Again, I loath him, but the optics and speed seem dark to me. It is assumed that Andrew inherited millions, why the ABSOLUTE rush now to get him out ? He surely has the needed assets to pay in the short term, a few years anyway and decide where he would like to go. Maybe Frogmore Cottage isn't to his liking anyway.

And that William *supposedly* wants it. Or that William would say, "to bad Uncle Andrew I WANT your home, for my family now" . Basically get out.
Geez, it sounds so very Game of Thrones. And dysfunctional.
Just what Harry keeps alleging about The Windsors. I hate that.

I'm in total agreement with the termination of the lease for the Sussex's and Frogmore. But totally baffled about The Royal Lodge situation. I hope Charles isn't reneging on agreements with his siblings, that THEY THOUGHT were in place. Like this and the Duke of Edinburgh Title.

We shall see......

And what does this mean for Edward and Sophie's lease ? If say William in 20 years hypothetically decides he wants it for Charlotte or Louis ?

Some thoughts:

> Firstly, I do not believe any of us know the facts here as to whether Andrew has been asked to vacate Royal Lodge or not, and if so, why he may have been able to vacate Royal Lodge.

> As regards finances, it may well be that, given his reduced financial circumstances, Andrew may well choose to use any allowance he receives from Charles to finance his lifestyle as opposed to paying for the upkeep of Royal Lodge.

> There is also the possibility that Andrew is just as bad as Sarah with money, and does not recognise the financial problems. In that case, it is entirely possible that Charles is urging Andrew to do the sensible thing, downsize, and live out his days comfortably at Frogmore Cottage on an allowance provided by Charles. Andrew may well be resistant, as he does not recognise the problem as such. These decisions are never easy.

> If he moves to FC, he can continue to use the horses and stables at Windsor, and use the pool there.

[Moonmaiden23]

Originally Posted by Granada

The whole Andrew situation is SO bizarre to me. Wasn't he made to agree and understand that Royal Lodge would be his ( and if his daughters wanted) for the full 75 year lease ? He signed the lease in 2003 or 2004. Poured millions into it and has lived there for nearly 20 years.

Andrew, his financial advisors AND The Queen HAD to have had a plan in mind regarding Andrew's housing. A 75 year lease seems "long term" to me. One that The Queen, Philip, Charles and Andrew would have known ALL the stipulations to. And Elizabeth making sure whatever financing needed thru trusts was in place. Royal Lodge was her childhood County Home, so it must have had a special place in her heart

I can't believe that She would have thought Andrew would get tossed out of there months after her death. Again, I loath him, but the optics and speed seem dark to me. It is assumed that Andrew inherited millions, why the ABSOLUTE rush now to get him out ? He surely has the needed assets to pay in the short term, a few years anyway and decide where he would like to go. Maybe Frogmore Cottage isn't to his liking anyway.

And that William *supposedly* wants it. Or that William would say, "to bad Uncle Andrew I WANT your home, for my family now" . Basically get out.
Geez, it sounds so very Game of Thrones. And dysfunctional.
Just what Harry keeps alleging about The Windsors. I hate that.

I'm in total agreement with the termination of the lease for the Sussex's and Frogmore. But totally baffled about The Royal Lodge situation. I hope Charles isn't reneging on agreements with his siblings, that THEY THOUGHT were in place. Like this and the Duke of Edinburgh Title.

We shall see......

And what does this mean for Edward and Sophie's lease ? If say William in 20 years hypothetically decides he wants it for Charlotte or Louis ?

You have so brilliantly summed up my feelings on this matter that sending a "Thank you" doesn't seem sufficient- even though I did that as well.

There is no way anyone can persuade me that this would be happening if the Epstein debacle hadn't happened first.

If RL is "too big" for Andrew now that he has four very young grandchildren, why was it not too large for him back in 2003 when he only had two teenagers who were away at school much of the time?

[.....]
His stupidity and arrogance, as well as his unpopularity gives Charles and whomever else the justification needed to make this "cost cutting" meaure a reality.

The operative word is indeed DARK and as much as I believe Harry is spoilt entitled, and economical with facts, his allegations about his dysfunctional birth family and how they operate are starting to have the ring of truth.

I believe Harry now.

ETA: Before the inevitable pack comes braying at me for "proof", please understand that these are my opinions based on what I see coming to pass with my own eyes.

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by ACO

I mean that sounds exactly what is going on. And frankly, the minor royals should make note of it. Nothing is guaranteed. Whatever was promised by one can be ignored by the other. We are literally seeing it play out now.

All I am hearing from the royal media (and it of course speculation) is that Andrew can very well stay put. His mother set him up to be able to stay where he is. She set ALL her children up well.

Seems Charles and William want his home for the Wales family but they can't force Andrew out. I also don't see him willingly going either.

When the Duke of York is not able to pay for the utilities, the maintenance and the upkeep of Royal Lodge as agreed in the lease contract, then it stops. 75 year lease or not 75 year lease: he possibly can no longer meet the conditions.

There is a sort of myth about the wealth of the British royal family. Simply count how many children and furtherer descendants Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II have had. Any supposed private fortune is very much watered down.

If William and Harry got a trust fund from their grandmother, we may assume this happened to the Phillips, the York and the Wessex grandchildren as well. In any way the private fortune of late Queen, of her 4 children and her 6 grandchildren, are not without limits.

[Ista]

Time for a reminder that rampant speculation, such as we are beginning to see on this thread is against forum rules. I have edited some posts, but further speculation about what individual members of the royal family think, want, intend, feel, etc. will be deleted.

In addition, to the best of our knowledge, at this point much of what is being reported in the press has not been confirmed, so please keep that in mind.

[ACO]

Originally Posted by Duc_et_Pair

When the Duke of York is not able to pay for the utilities, the maintenance and the upkeep of Royal Lodge as agreed in the lease contract, then it stops. 75 year lease or not 75 year lease: he possibly can no longer meet the conditions.

There is a sort of myth about the wealth of the British royal family. Simply count how many children and furtherer descendants Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II have had. Any supposed private fortune is very much watered down.

If William and Harry got a trust fund from their grandmother, we may assume this happened to the Phillips, the York and the Wessex grandchildren as well. In any way the private fortune of late Queen, of her 4 children and her 6 grandchildren, are not without limits.

If that is the case then sure.... but is it? Or is it a case of Charles wanting Andrew out because he does not want him there? We may never know but it is clear many have a suspicion of the motive. I mean where was all this concern last year?

The housing situation just is a fascinating one because no matter what happens there will be empty ones and upkeep needed.

[Denville]

Why would Charles want Andre out? He may well feel that the house is too big and expensive for one person to use and pay for.. and he may be trying to persuade Andrew to move to another smaller house, but we have no evidence what income Andrew has or if he's able to pay for his expenses at RL for the rest of his life. IN any case, ANdrew has to live somwerhe, and RL is his home and as good a place as any.

[Duc_et_Pair]

Originally Posted by Denville

Why would Charles want Andre out? He may well feel that the house is too big and expensive for one person to use and pay for.. and he may be trying to persuade Andrew to move to another smaller house, but we have no evidence what income Andrew has or if he's able to pay for his expenses at RL for the rest of his life. IN any case, ANdrew has to live somwerhe, and RL is his home and as good a place as any.

It is documented that the Yorks have had financial limits, see their chalet in Verbier, see the rumoured sum he would have received to pay for Ms Giuffre.

We can not rule out that the millions the Duke had to pay, plus the diminishion of his income had to make him himself requesting his brother for more affordable accommodation.

Probably the Royal Estate or the King thought about that unused but wonderfully refurbished Frogmore Cottage and concluded it would be perfect: at Windsor Great Park, with security and near the royal family.

[tommy100]

The only real facts we know are that Frogmore Cottage will soon be vacant. In regards to Andrew and Royal Lodge all we have are unconfirmed rumours and speculation.

An interesting bit of fact I did pick up in amidst all the rumours and speculation - Royal Lodge is accessible to the public more so than Frogmore Cottage and thus requires its own policing and security in a way Frogmore doesn't. If Charles is taking on Andrew's security costs looking at a way to reduce those - by putting him in a house which is inside an existing security cordon rather than one of its own, would make some sense.

[princesstully]

Good afternoon- My question in all this is didn’t King Charles state a while ago he didn’t want to live at BP or Windsor. He wants to stay at Highgrove/Clarence House.?? Maybe he just wants to use the palaces as business only not for living in??? Then moving the PoW family to RL would be more comfy situation for the next few years.
I’m from the USA so not 100% sure.

[iceflower]

The Duke of York was seen riding yesterday, March 4:


** rex gallery **

[Denville]

Originally Posted by princesstully

Good afternoon- My question in all this is didn’t King Charles state a while ago he didn’t want to live at BP or Windsor. He wants to stay at Highgrove/Clarence House.?? Maybe he just wants to use the palaces as business only not for living in??? Then moving the PoW family to RL would be more comfy situation for the next few years.
I’m from the USA so not 100% sure.

Buck Pal is being repaired, and wont be fully available for years, it seems. And if Charles does not want to live at Windsor, its going to be empty.

[hereditarytitles]

Originally Posted by Denville

Buck Pal is being repaired, and wont be fully available for years, it seems. And if Charles does not want to live at Windsor, its going to be empty.

But, Windsor Castle is open to the public and is quite popular with visitors. We tried to visit a couple of years ago, but the queue was endless, so we decided not to go.
Somewhere it was written that Charles is thinking about opening more rooms of the castle for the public.

[Royalist.in.NC]

It would certainly make sense to me to open these up to the public if Charles doesn’t plan to live in them. How many places does one really need -lol?

Using them as museums or business only is a good idea IMHO

[Granada]

I assume we will know by years end what will happen with Andrew, Sarah and Royal Lodge.
Twenty years in, after renovations were done in 2002 when Andrew first expressed an interest in living there, more maintenance, updates and expensive renovation like a new roof are required now. Royal Lodge is a VAST Estate. Little Cottages, Church, ect....

Since Royal Lodge isn't in the Royal Protective Ring as Frogmore is, it is separate, and expensive Security is needed . A little 'perfect storm' for Andrew as Charles is reviewing expenses and cutting costs as he sees fit. Allegedly a 250 thousand pound yearly payment that The Queen gave to Andrew towards maintenance and Staff will be cut. On top of his Security being changed and downsized.

Charles is firmly in charge, why fight change and lots of People as they hit their 60's and retirement, want to scale down expenses and accommodations anyway.

Had Queen Elizabeth still been alive Andrew probably could have finagled her into funding the needed renovation costs. Her Father, when Duke of York, was granted Royal Lodge as a country home by Elizabeth's beloved Grandfather George V. Lots of cherished childhood memories there and her Mother loved it there too. I dont think its to much of a stretch to think She would have been willing to do so.

But, now soaring costs, and diminished money streams are probably an insurmountable problem for Andrew. Does he tough it out for a year or two or three ? We know he must have inherited money, but does he want to sink a lot in to upkeep ? He now has two grandchildren, a third on the way too. Probably like to put away something for them.

Or give in, accept the inevitable and downsize to Frogmore. Not throw away good money in an attempt to hold on the grandeur of Royal Lodge.
Frogmore is lovely and he could add touches there himself. Gardens, pool, ect.....a putting green....LOL.

If, as reports suggest William wants Royal Lodge, I expect that to happen. Charles will be gracious and I suspect sweeten the pot with incentives. Funded Security and *perhaps* allowing Eugenie to have Adelaide Cottage. Beatrice and Edo own a beautiful home and are much wealthier than Eugenie and Jack, so this might be a nice solution.

But then we are talking Andrew and Sarah, so who knows ? Stubborn, arrogant and imperious describes Andrew to a tee. Sarah seems to be doing quite well with her Romance Novel book line, maybe She can kick in some cash....

[muriel]

Originally Posted by Granada

I assume we will know by years end what will happen with Andrew, Sarah and Royal Lodge.
Twenty years in, after renovations were done in 2002 when Andrew first expressed an interest in living there, more maintenance, updates and expensive renovation like a new roof are required now. Royal Lodge is a vast Estate.

Since Royal Lodge isn't in the Royal Protective Ring as Frogmore is, it is separate, and expensive Security is needed . A little 'perfect storm' for Andrew as Charles is reviewing expenses and cutting costs as he sees fit. Allegedly a 250 thousand pound yearly payment that The Queen gave to Andrew towards maintenance and Staff will be cut. On top of his Security being changed and downsized.

Had Queen Elizabeth still been alive Andrew probably could have finagled her into funding the maintenance costs. Her Father, when Duke of York, was granted Royal Lodge as a country home by Elizabeth's beloved Grandfather George V. Lots of cherished childhood memories there and her Mother loved it there too. I dont think its to much of a stretch to think She would have been willing to do so.

But, now soaring costs, and diminished money streams are probably an insurmountable problem for Andrew. Does he tough it out for a year or two or three ? We know he must have inherited money, but does he want to sink a lot in to upkeep ? He now has two grandchildren, a third on the way too. Probably like to put away something for them.

Or give in, accept the inevitable and downsize to Frogmore. Not throw away good money in an attempt to hold on the grandeur of Royal Lodge.

If, as reports suggest William wants Royal Lodge, I expect that to happen. Charles will be gracious and I suspect sweeten the pot with incentives. Funded Security and *perhaps* allowing Eugenie to have Adelaide Cottage. Beatrice and Edo own a beautiful home and are much wealthier than Eugenie and Jack, so this might be a nice solution.

But then we are talking Andrew and Sarah, so who knows ? Stubborn, arrogant and imperious describes Andrew to a tee. Sarah seems to be doing quite well with her Romance Novel book line, maybe She can kick in some cash....

I think the security issue you raise is a very key one. As Andrew is no longer a working royal, it is unlikely the state is funding his security any more. Having him live within the existing protective ring of the Windsor estate would greatly reduce the costs of his security.

As to what happens to Royal Lodge if Andrew were to move out remains a moot point. Whilst William could make good use of it, I think he should move into the castle itself. The private apartments are large enough to accommodate the Wales' family, and the occasional visit by C&C.

[Alison H]

I think William and Kate want to maintain some sort of family home whilst the children are growing up. Whilst Royal Lodge isn't exactly a suburban semi, it's a one-family house, which living inside the castle isn't.