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Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice to Inherit Royal Lodge: A New Chapter Awaits
In a significant development for the British royal family, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are poised to inherit the illustrious Royal Lodge in Windsor.
This sprawling residence has been home to their father, Prince Andrew, since 2003.
The Duke of York took over this grand 30-room estate from his grandmother, the late Queen Mother, who resided there until her passing at the remarkable age of 101.
Prince Andrew moved into Royal Lodge in 2003, investing nearly £7 million in extensive renovations to restore the property to its former glory.
Unlike a typical royal residence, Royal Lodge operates under a commercial lease agreement with the Crown Estate, which means it is not simply a gift from the monarchy.
The Duke initially paid £1 million to secure the lease, with an annual rent estimated at £260,000.
Should Prince Andrew vacate the property within the first 25 years of his tenure, he may be eligible to recoup some of his initial investment, albeit on a sliding scale.
However, if he were to pass away, the lease would only transfer to immediate family members, most likely his daughters, Princess Beatrice, age 35, and Princess Eugenie, age 34.
Both sisters have fond memories tied to Royal Lodge, having spent much of their childhood there.
Notably, Princess Eugenie's wedding reception was hosted within its walls.
Additionally, the private royal chapel, where Princess Beatrice exchanged vows with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in July 2020, is also located on the grounds, enhancing the personal significance of the estate for the family.
Currently, Beatrice and her husband reside in an apartment at St James's Palace, but there have been whispers about upgrades to Royal Lodge.
Reports indicate that Edoardo, who leads a property and interior design firm, has been working to address the home's state of disrepair.
Recent photographs suggest that some outhouses are in dire need of attention, with visible peeling paint and general disarray.
Inside the residence, remnants of Sarah Ferguson's quirky collection of novelty teapots can be spotted during her YouTube appearances.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew's affection for teddy bears has been well-documented, with former staff recalling the meticulous care required to arrange his 72 teddy bears each morning.
Former maid Charlotte Briggs shared that she received special training on how to position them just right, highlighting the unusual yet endearing aspects of the Duke's personality.
A friend of the family described the interiors of Royal Lodge as chaotic, attributing the clutter to both Sarah Ferguson's collecting tendencies and Prince Andrew's penchant for surrounding himself with various items.
This accumulation seems to provide a sense of comfort for the Duke, who has spent much of his time at Royal Lodge since stepping down as a working royal in 2019.
Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the chief executive of Banda Property, has ambitions to transform the estate into a more manageable space.
His company specializes in luxurious properties, including an impressive 10,000 square-foot home in Belgravia with a staggering asking price of £42 million.
The ethos of Banda Property emphasizes a blend of modernity and timeless elegance, suggesting that significant changes could be on the horizon for Royal Lodge.
In addition to her family commitments, Princess Beatrice recently made headlines with a surprise appearance in Switzerland.
After attending the Monaco Grand Prix, she traveled to Geneva for the AI for Good summit.
There, she participated in a panel discussion focused on the positive impact of artificial intelligence, advocating for investments in human intelligence and collaborative efforts.
As the royal family navigates this transition, the future of Royal Lodge remains uncertain yet promising.
With two strong-willed princesses at the helm, it seems likely that the estate will continue to be a cherished family home, steeped in history while adapting to the modern world.
The journey ahead for Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice is sure to be an exciting one as they embrace their royal legacy.