Andrew Windsor Mountbatten will no longer be able to live in the sprawling Royal Lodge on the grounds of Windsor – so where will he go?
One option that’s been suggested is York Cottage, a royal stately home in the grounds of Sandringham Estate, where the Queen’s beloved Norfolk home, Sandringham House, is situated.
Ironically, York Cottage used to be known as the Bachelor’s Cottage, so it could be quite fitting for Andrew.
It was gifted by the future King Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, to his son Prince George, the Duke of York (later King George V) in 1893.
The Duke Of York lived there with Princess Mary after their marriage.
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Lady Donaldson, the first female Lord Mayor of London, once wrote of the cottage: ‘York Cottage in its own context is a monument to the eccentricity of the family who lived there’.
The cottage – which is currently used as holiday accommodation and, in part, as accommodation for estate staff – is said to resemble ‘three Merrie England pubs joined together’, oozing charm and character.
A look back in time
If, for some reason, Andrew does not move to York Cottage, it’s believed another royal property is being flouted as an opportunity.
Andrew could call the Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor his new home after outrage at the recent revelation that he has not paid rent where he currently lives – Royal Lodge – for 22 years.
Frogmore Cottage is in the grounds of Windsor Castle, Berkshire, and was a wedding gift to Harry and Meghan from the late Queen Elizabeth.
Built in 1801, the ten-bedroomed, Grade II listed building had been empty for some time and underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment before the couple moved in during 2019.
The £2.4million bill for the building work was initially funded by the taxpayer, which the couple subsequently repaid.
It’s in the grounds of the 17th-century Frogmore House, where the couple had their wedding reception.
But it doesn’t stop at Frogmore Cottage – Fergie is reportedly eyeing up Adelaide Cottage, where Prince William and Kate currently live but will be moving out next month.