Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are reportedly set to inherit Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate at the center of an escalating dispute between their father, Prince Andrew, and King Charles. The Duke of York, who has resided at the property since 2003, has resisted efforts by the King to relocate him to Frogmore Cottage, a smaller and less expensive residence. The proposal followed King Charles's decision to cut Prince Andrew's £1 million annual allowance, citing financial concerns and the Duke's non-working royal status.
Despite financial challenges and the pressing need for repairs, Prince Andrew, 64, is believed to have secured the funds necessary to remain at Royal Lodge. Reports indicate that he plans to pass the residence on to his daughters as part of their inheritance. Beatrice, 36, lives with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their three-year-old daughter, Sienna, in the Cotswolds, while also maintaining an apartment at St. James's Palace for royal engagements. Eugenie, 34, splits her time between Ivy Cottage in London and a home in Portugal with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their children.
Robin Edwards, a property expert with Curetons, shared his views on the potential inheritance with GB News. "Royal Lodge is a stunning property. If Beatrice and/or Eugenie had the chance to live there, I'm sure they would jump at the chance," Edwards said.
He noted that the princesses are "generally well-liked by the British public, much more so than their father." He added that any negative press surrounding their move into Royal Lodge would likely not deter them. "Although there may be some negative press about either of them living at Royal Lodge in the future, I don't think it would be enough to put either of them off."
The princesses have not publicly commented on the ongoing dispute between their father and King Charles. However, they are known to regularly visit their grandparents at Royal Lodge with their young families. Their silence has been viewed by some as a deliberate effort to avoid being drawn into the controversy.
Royal Lodge, a historic estate nestled in Windsor Great Park, has been a residence of significance within the royal family. For Prince Andrew, it represents a personal and familial legacy, which he appears determined to preserve for his daughters. However, the property has also become a symbol of the broader efforts by King Charles to modernize and streamline the monarchy.
The Duke of York's tenure at the property has not been without controversy. As a non-working royal facing public scrutiny, his continued occupation of Royal Lodge has drawn criticism. Nevertheless, Prince Andrew's determination to secure the estate for his daughters underscores its importance to his family.
Both Beatrice and Eugenie have managed to maintain positive public images despite the controversies surrounding their father. Their future role at Royal Lodge, should they inherit it, is likely to further intertwine their legacy with the estate. While some speculate that accepting Royal Lodge might draw criticism, others see it as a natural extension of their connection to the royal family's history.
As discussions about the future of Royal Lodge continue, the estate remains a focal point of the complexities within the royal family. For Beatrice and Eugenie, the decision to embrace their inheritance could carry both personal and public implications. Royal Lodge represents not only a familial asset but also a potential symbol of their place within the modern monarchy.
