Public anger mounts as activists call for his removal from the Windsor
estate
Prince Andrew is facing renewed backlash as protests outside Windsor
intensify, with campaigners demanding that he vacate Royal Lodge — the grand
residence he has occupied for more than two decades without paying substantial
rent.
The Duke of York, who was stripped of his royal titles and honours, is said to
be clinging to what remains of his royal lifestyle. According to reports, he
has largely withdrawn from public view, spending long hours inside the 30-room
mansion on the Windsor estate.
Last week, Buckingham Palace issued a statement in which Andrew explained his
decision to stop using his titles, saying he made the choice after discussions
with King Charles and other family members. He acknowledged that the
allegations against him had become a “distraction” from the work of the
monarchy.
However, the statement has done little to calm growing criticism. Members of
the anti-monarchy group Republic staged a protest at the entrance to Windsor
Great Park and near Royal Lodge earlier this week, calling for the disgraced
royal to be removed from the property.
Reports from The Sun claim that Andrew spends much of his time alone, often
watching television or playing video games, and is known to have a peculiar
attachment to a collection of teddy bears kept in his bedroom.
The decision means that Andrew’s titles, along with his HRH status, are ‘in abeyance’. The decision was taken in consultation with other family members, including the King and Prince William. His Majesty is said to be glad of the outcome. However Andrew will remain at Royal Lodge https://t.co/i248nRZWxM
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 17, 2025
Public scrutiny has only deepened following a National Audit Office report
that revealed details of Andrew’s 75-year lease on the residence, signed in
2003. The document confirmed that the Duke pays an annual rent of just “one
peppercorn (if demanded)” — a symbolic legal term meaning the payment is
purely formal.
As pressure continues to mount, questions remain over how long Andrew can
resist calls to vacate Royal Lodge — a property that has become a focal point
of public frustration over privilege and accountability within the royal
family.
