Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has ruled out moving into her £4.25 million London townhouse, despite renting it out for around £16,000 a month. Instead, she continues living with Prince Andrew at Royal Lodge, Windsor, despite increasing pressure from King Charles III for them to vacate the property. The couple has resisted the King’s efforts to move them out of the 30-room mansion, which they have shared for years, as the royal family makes adjustments to housing arrangements under the new reign.
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has decided against moving into her £4.25 million London townhouse, which she has been renting out for around £16,000 a month. Instead, she continues residing at Royal Lodge in Windsor with Prince Andrew, amid growing speculation regarding their living arrangements and possible changes under King Charles III’s reign.
The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and her former husband, Prince Andrew, are facing increasing pressure from King Charles III to vacate Royal Lodge, the large Windsor estate they share. As part of ongoing adjustments within the royal family, there has been mounting speculation about their future in the property, with the King reportedly urging them to leave the residence. Despite this, the couple has so far resisted moving out of the vast home.
The Mail on Sunday has revealed that Sarah Ferguson has rented out the two-bedroom Belgravia property she purchased in 2022, earning around £4,000 per week, or over £200,000 annually. This income makes relocating from Windsor to London unlikely for her. However, the rent pales in comparison to the £400,000 annual upkeep required for Royal Lodge, the vast 30-room, 19th-century estate with 90 acres that she shares with Prince Andrew. While some suggest the luxurious townhouse, just five minutes from Buckingham Palace, could be a suitable option for both Sarah and Andrew, it doesn’t appear to be part of her current plan.
Prince Andrew is reportedly determined to hold on to Royal Lodge in Windsor, despite King Charles III’s efforts to have him move out. From November, the King will cease covering the estimated £3 million annual security costs for the property. Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have already declined the King’s offer to downsize to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The couple faces the challenge of maintaining a smaller property to avoid incurring high security expenses. A source suggested that moving to a luxury townhouse, such as Sarah’s Belgravia property, would save them around £200,000 annually and would be a practical solution, but it appears they are resisting the idea.
A source commented that it’s time for the Yorks to achieve financial independence, stating they have a long-term lease with the Crown Estate. If they can afford to maintain Royal Lodge with appropriate security, they are welcome to stay, but a smaller property would significantly reduce expenses.
Sarah Ferguson purchased the Belgravia home in her own name, but her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, are also listed on the Land Registry. The funds for the property are believed to have come from inheritances received by the sisters from the late Prince Philip and the Queen.
The Yorks refer to the Belgravia house as an “investment” for Sarah Ferguson, but arrangements indicate that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are likely the ultimate beneficiaries. A restriction is in place that prevents Sarah from selling the property without written consent from both daughters.
