Prince Andrew could move out of Royal Lodge as vacant home may 'tickle his fancy'

Prince Andrew could find himself moving out of Royal Lodge and into a surprising new property because of the relocation of other senior members of the family, according to a royal broadcaster.

Andrew, 65, has been in a prolonged battle to stay at Royal Lodge– a place at which he has a private lease that stretches until at least 2078.

However, before Andrew’s decision to give up his Duke of York title due to the ongoing discussions about his connection to the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, there were suggestions he may have choices if he decides to move.

One of those options is Adelaide Cottage, a property set to be vacated by Prince William and Princess Kate as they move to Forest Lodge later this year.

Speaking about where the disgraced prince could move to, the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden said on the publication’s Palace Confidential programme: “On a practical level it means immediately that Adelaide Cottage is vacant.

“Perhaps that could be one for Prince Andrew to move in from the massive Royal Lodge that he and Fergie are sharing at the moment, that could be another option for him.

“We know that he rejected Frogmore Cottage because he regarded it as too small. Perhaps Adelaide Cottage might tickle his fancy.”

While some have suggested Andrew could move from Royal Lodge to Adelaide Cottage, others have been critical of such a proposal. Speaking to GB News, royal expert Charlotte Griffiths said the 30 room property was “completely inappropriate” given his new and reduced status within the family.

Charlotte told the broadcaster that Andrew, who has also surrendered his membership of Order of the Garter, should step further back from public life.

She said: “Well, I think they just reached a tipping point in the Royal Family. It was just completely untenable for him to keep his title. He had to give it up himself, essentially, to save further drama, further headlines. Further scene-stealing from other royals. He's refusing to move out of Royal Lodge. I also think he should do the honourable thing and give up that lease.

“I just think it's completely inappropriate for him to have a very, very large 30-room senior property very close to Prince William's new house, and it doesn't befit his status. He's no longer the Duke of York, so he really needs to downsize.”

In a statement announcing the giving up of his titles Andrew said: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family

“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.

"With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me.”