Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson will vacate Royal Lodge early next year, leaving the historic property unoccupied for the first time in nearly two decades.
A property specialist has suggested that the Grade II-listed mansion in Windsor Great Park could eventually be repurposed for the next generation of senior royals once Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis reach adulthood.
Royal Lodge, one of the most significant residences on the Crown Estate, will become vacant following Andrew and Sarah’s departure, prompting renewed focus on its long-term future and how the King may choose to utilise it.
Robin Edwards, a property buying agent at Curetons, spoke exclusively to GB News about the options now under consideration.
“Now that Royal Lodge will soon be empty, the King and Crown Estate have the difficult decision of what to do with this prestigious property,” Edwards explained. “If Prince William and his family hadn’t just moved into nearby Forest Lodge, which they have only recently finished refurbishing, it would have been ideal for them. In a few years’ time, it could even be suitable for Prince George or one of his siblings.”
Forest Lodge, a Georgian mansion also located within Windsor Great Park, recently underwent internal and external renovations, according to planning documents submitted earlier this year. The Prince and Princess of Wales are now based there, leaving Royal Lodge available for reassignment in the coming months.
Edwards believes the property is almost certain to remain in royal use. “The most likely outcome is that the property will stay within the Royal Family, either reassigned to another senior member or retained as an official guest residence,” he said. “Converting it for commercial purposes, such as a private rental or short-stay accommodation, is theoretically possible but would come with significant challenges.”
A future role for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, or Prince Louis would align with long-standing royal tradition. Senior royal heirs have historically been allocated Crown Estate residences once they begin undertaking official duties. Prince George, second in line to the throne, is expected to take on public duties in adulthood, while Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis may also assume roles within the monarchy depending on how the working Royal Family evolves under future leadership.
Royal Lodge, rebuilt in 1811 and formerly the home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, has served as a multi-generational royal residence for decades. Its large grounds, privacy, and heritage make it one of the most notable royal properties in Windsor Great Park.
The upcoming departure of Andrew and Sarah follows years of speculation about the estate’s future, including concerns over maintenance, finances, and shifting priorities within the Royal Household. As the King continues to streamline royal properties and reduce the number of homes in active use, the future of Royal Lodge is expected to form part of a broader long-term strategy.
According to Edwards, the estate’s next chapter may ultimately be shaped by the lives of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — and by the direction the Royal Family takes under Prince William’s future leadership.