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Crown Estate Skipped Royal Lodge Inspections for 22 Years as Post-Notice Check Finds Costly Decay

The landlord says visits are carried out only when needed to ensure the effective use of public money.

Overview

  • A freedom of information request revealed no Crown Estate inspections took place during Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 22 years at Royal Lodge.
  • His 75-year lease required a reported £8 million upfront refurbishment, ongoing upkeep and painting every seven years, with a right of entry on reasonable notice.
  • Officials inspected after he agreed to leave and reported the house in a dilapidated state, with repairs likely to consume about £500,000 due for early surrender.
  • Andrew was stripped of royal titles and given notice on the lease in October 2025 following scrutiny of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Reports indicate he is expected to relocate to a smaller home on the King’s Sandringham estate, with commentators saying a permanent move abroad appears unlikely.