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Topics: Prince Andrew, Royal Family, UK News, News
Lucy Devine
Topics: Prince Andrew, Royal Family, UK News, News
Prince Andrew could refuse to leave the Royal Lodge even if he was 'kicked out', a lawyer has revealed.
Last week, Prince Andrew took a further step away from the royal family amid controversy over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein by announcing he was no longer using his royal titles, including the 'Duke of York' title.
A statement from Andrew released on Friday (October 17) read: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.
"I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.
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"With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me."
With Andrew no longer using his titles, attention has turned to his tenancy at the Royal Lodge, which he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The pair have lived there since 2003 after Andrew paid £1 million for the lease, which doesn't run out until 2078.
According to property lawyer Mike Hansom, any attempt to evict Andrew would be a 'waste of time'.
"Any attempt to get Andrew out would be a waste of time as he bought the house on a 75-year lease agreement and therefore is legally entitled to live in the property until 2078," he told MailOnline.
"He would either have to agree to leave by mutual consent or can only be forced to leave if he has failed to adhere to the tenants covenants in the lease, which is unlikely."
According to the publication, Andrew has a 'cast-iron lease'.
Property expert and estate agent Henry Sherwood agreed, adding: "He has lease to rent it, but there is a peppercorn agreement, so he only pays a nominal amount, usually just £1 so they can say he pays for it.
"Unless there are any break clauses then the lease is valid for the full term and he cannot be evicted. However, they may be able to find an ancient by law, etcetera, saying only available to royalty."
In 2021, Virginia Giuffre alleged that she was trafficked by Epstein at the age of 17 and was made to have sex with Prince Andrew in 2001 — something he has always denied.
Such allegations surfaced in 2015 in court documents relating to Epstein, and the former Duke of York ended up paying Giuffre a settlement in 2022, after she filed a civil suit against him.
Two years prior to the settlement, Prince Andrew was forced to suspend all his royal duties. Sadly, Giuffre died by suicide at the age of 41 in April 2025.
UNILAD has contacted Prince Andrew's representatives for comment.