Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson famously had the most unusual living arrangement, residing together at Royal Lodge after they split in 1992, right up until they were exiled from the royal property.
King Charles' brother and his wife raised their two daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, at the Grade II-listed Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, living there until King Charles evicted them from the home amid concern over their ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
What was once a hunting lodge and a retreat for the royal family became the Queen Mother's residence until her death in 2002. It was then refurbished, and Andrew took out a long-term lease on the property. During their time at the property, Andrew, Sarah, Beatrice and Eugenie have only shared a handful of photos from inside the royal residence, keeping the interiors and the grounds away from the public eye.
© ShutterstockOne rare aerial photo shares a glimpse of the vast white main house, surrounded by manicured lawns, boxy hedges and towering trees. Despite being located on 98-acre grounds, it is not entirely isolated, with another smaller property and greenhouse spotted nearby.
It's possible this is one of six lodge cottages on the grounds, alongside a chapel (the Royal Chapel of All Saints, where Princess Beatrice got married), and a gardener’s cottage.
Royal Lodge's luxurious features
Inside, Royal Lodge features large sash windows with views of the gardens, and personal royal heirlooms passed down through generations. The Queen Mother's letters and photographs may still be inside the property, while Queen Elizabeth II’s thatched Wendy House is thought to still sit in the garden for Sarah and Andrew's grandchildren.
© GettyGifted to the late monarch by the people of Wales, the Wendy House is as luxurious as you might expect, with its own glass windows, an electric cooker, running water and cabinets full of Beatrix Potter books.
The mini property was a haven for Andrew's kids, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, when they were growing up. The former gave the structure, which she described as "the most glamorous Wendy House ever", a makeover in 2012.
Ensuring its longevity allows her kids with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, his son Wolfie, and their children Sienna and Athena, and her nephews, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's sons August and Ernest, to enjoy it for years to come. Eugenie also previously revealed an engraved swing seat secured to a tree in the garden, which we imagine is another hit with the young royals.
© Getty ImagesSarah's comments
Sarah and Andrew ended their six-year marriage in 1992 and finalised their divorce four years later. Despite temporarily living apart, they decided to once again reside under the same roof to co-parent their kids.
The Duchess of York has made a handful of comments about her living situation, which once again became a matter of interest after King Charles reportedly asked him to vacate Royal Lodge.
Andrew's 75-year lease of the 30-room 'grace-and-favour' property began in 2003, but it was uncertain how the Duke of York would pay for the expensive upkeep and security at the Windsor home going forward.
© Getty ImagesDuring an appearance on Good Morning Britain in 2024, Sarah distanced herself from the discussions over their future at Royal Lodge, describing herself as "a very lucky guest."
She also clarified to The Times in 2021: "When I’m in the UK, I’m lucky enough to stay at Royal Lodge. I wouldn’t call it my home as that would be presumptuous."
Royal Lodge lies empty
The property has remained vacant ever since Andrew and Sarah were officially ousted from the property in February, just a few months after the former prince was stripped of his titles. He temporarily moved into Wood Farm while his new permanent home, Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate, was undergoing renovations to increase the security measures.
© YouTubeThis included the installation of a CCTV system and the addition of six-foot wooden fences. A no-fly zone around Sandringham was extended to include Marsh Farm. Following a string of public scandals - including Andrew being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office - Sarah decided to go her separate ways from her ex-husband.
A source told HELLO! at the time that she would not be joining Andrew at Marsh Farm. "She has stood by him all these years but is now ready to spread her wings," they said."She won't be moving in with him to the new house on the Sandringham Estate. She won't be moving into Beatrice's Cotswolds home though. Eugenie's home in Portugal is a contender while she finds somewhere."
Sarah has been living a nomadic life and reportedly relying on her wealthy friends to offer her places to sleep, according to the Daily Mail. The former Duchess, 66, was recently pictured staying at a £2,000-a-night apartment at the Mayrlife wellness spa in Altaussee, near Salzburg, two weeks ago, after vanishing from the public eye for 213 days.
