Royal Lodge, the former residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, could soon have a new tenant. The large property in Windsor has become vacant after Andrew moved out in February 2026 and relocated to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
The Crown Estate is now reportedly preparing to find someone who can rent the historic mansion. However, the property comes with high maintenance costs, and its next tenant will need to be able to afford the expense of keeping such a large home in good condition.
Royal Lodge has been connected to the British Royal Family for many years. Andrew lived there for more than two decades, making it an important part of his life before his departure.
Now, questions are being raised about who will move into the property and what will happen to the mansion in the coming months.
Why Did Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Leave Royal Lodge?
In October 2025, Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would leave Royal Lodge and move to a property on the Sandringham Estate.
He completed the move in February 2026 and is now living at Marsh Farm. His departure left Royal Lodge without its long-term resident and opened the door for the Crown Estate to consider its future.
Andrew had lived at Royal Lodge since 2003. The property became his main home for more than 20 years, making his departure a major change for the Windsor residence.
The move also brought attention to the future of the mansion. With Andrew no longer living there, the Crown Estate needs to decide how the property can be used while meeting its responsibilities for managing royal land and buildings.
Royal Lodge Windsor Could Welcome a New Tenant
The Crown Estate is reportedly looking for a wealthy individual who can rent Royal Lodge from October 2026.
Reports suggest that the property could become a private residence rather than being used for a public or commercial purpose. There has also been speculation about whether King Charles III or Queen Camilla might use the mansion.
However, reports have indicated that no members of the Royal Family have expressed an interest in taking over the property.
If a new tenant is found, Royal Lodge could once again become a private home. Finding the right person may take time because the mansion is large, expensive to maintain, and subject to conditions linked to its historic setting.
The Crown Estate must also consider the property’s long-term care and the costs involved in preparing it for another resident.
How Much Does Royal Lodge Cost to Maintain?
One of the biggest challenges with Royal Lodge is its upkeep.
According to reports, maintaining the mansion could cost around £400,000 a year. This is a substantial amount, even for a wealthy tenant, and would be an important factor in deciding who can afford to live there.
The reported annual maintenance cost is separate from the question of rent. Anyone interested in the property would need to consider the overall financial commitment involved in keeping the building and its grounds in good condition.
Royal Lodge has around 30 rooms, making it a large property that requires regular care. Its size, historic character, and location all add to the responsibility of maintaining it.
The next tenant would therefore need more than the money to secure the property. They would also need to be prepared for the ongoing costs of managing a historic mansion.
Andrew’s Royal Lodge Lease and Rent Explained
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor took the lease on Royal Lodge in 2003. Under the reported terms, the rent was set at one peppercorn a year, if demanded.
This phrase is used in some property agreements to show that a lease has a formal rent requirement, even when the amount is symbolic and little or no money is actually paid.
However, the low or symbolic rent did not mean that maintaining the property was free. The mansion still required care and repairs, with the annual upkeep estimated at around £400,000.
Reports have also noted that Andrew’s lease was due to remain in place until the end of October 2026. This could affect when the Crown Estate is able to make changes or carry out renovation work.
If the lease is not handed back early, major preparations for a new tenant may have to wait until it ends. An earlier agreement could help speed up the process, but it may also create additional costs for the Crown Estate.
These lease arrangements are an important part of the discussion about the future of Royal Lodge.
Why Can’t Royal Lodge Become a Conference Centre?
Some people may wonder whether Royal Lodge could be turned into a commercial venue or used for events. However, reports suggest that this option has been ruled out.
The Crown Estate has responsibilities to preserve the character of the royal park and forest surrounding the property. That means any plans for Royal Lodge must take its historic setting into account.
Turning the mansion into a conference centre or another commercial business could conflict with these responsibilities.
As a result, renting the property as a private residence appears to be a more likely option.
This could help the Crown Estate keep the mansion in residential use while protecting its character. However, finding a suitable tenant who can meet the financial demands may still be a challenge.
What Happens Next to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Former Home?
The future of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s former residence will depend on the Crown Estate’s next steps and the terms of the existing lease.
Once the lease issue is resolved, the estate can consider the work needed to prepare the mansion for another resident. It will also need to find someone who can meet the financial demands of the property and respect the conditions attached to its use.
For now, Royal Lodge remains an important property within the Windsor area, with its next chapter still taking shape.
The reported search for a new tenant shows that managing a historic royal residence involves more than simply finding someone who wants to live there. Costs, lease arrangements, preservation rules, and the property’s future use all need to be considered.
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