The Crown Estate is seeking a wealthy tenant to occupy Royal Lodge, the Windsor property previously leased by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, after his lease expires at the end of October. Despite earlier speculation that King Charles III or Queen Camilla might take over the residence, royal sources have indicated no members of the Royal Family have expressed interest in the 30-room mansion. The estate plans to offer the property as a private residence, a decision contingent on finding someone able to shoulder its estimated annual upkeep cost of around £400,000.

Andrew moved out of Royal Lodge earlier this year, relocating to Marsh Farm in Norfolk. However, his lease officially remains in effect until October’s end, restricting any renovations without his consent to surrender the lease early. Such a move could potentially impose financial burdens on the Crown Estate, which would be responsible for monthly expenses during any interim period.

According to sources, clearing the property has been challenging due to its reportedly cluttered and dilapidated state. A recent Crown Estate report submitted to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee indicates that the extent of necessary repairs may preclude Andrew from receiving compensation typically due under lease terms. This situation foreshadows substantial repair costs before the estate can secure a new tenant.

While converting Royal Lodge into a conference centre, school, or hotel could provide alternative uses, the Crown Estate has dismissed such options. The estate must comply with statutory obligations to preserve the character of Windsor Great Park as a royal park and forest, restrictions which effectively rule out commercial ventures. Consequently, the estate anticipates significant time and expense in restoring and leasing the property.

In a separate development, a woman alleging that she was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein and coerced into a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at Royal Lodge has reportedly reconsidered cooperating with British police. The unnamed woman, who is represented by US attorney Bradley Edwards, initially resisted formal involvement due to privacy concerns and fears of harassment affecting her child.

Edwards confirmed recent communications with UK authorities and noted that his client’s position has shifted from a firm refusal to a tentative willingness to assist in the ongoing investigation. Police have expressed interest in interviewing her, potentially in the United States, though arrangements have not been finalized. Edwards emphasized that any testimony would depend on addressing the woman's concerns for her family’s safety and privacy.

Andrew was arrested in February at age 66 on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the release of US government documents suggesting he passed sensitive information to Epstein during their association. Thames Valley Police expanded their inquiry in May to include sex trafficking allegations. The investigation is being treated with the resources and expertise typical of a major criminal probe, involving specialist sexual offence officers.

While Andrew denies any wrongdoing, he previously settled a civil lawsuit filed by the late Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s prominent accusers. Giuffre alleged sexual encounters with Andrew when she was a minor, claims he denied before settling the case out of court for a reported £12 million without admitting liability.

Documents released by the US Department of Justice revealed communications in which Andrew appeared to discuss arranging introductions to women for Epstein, including a reference to a 26-year-old woman described as “clevere [sic], beautiful, trustworthy.” It remains unclear whether this woman is connected to the current accuser contemplating testimony.