It’s officially over! The Royal Lodge estate, once given to Harry and Meghan, has now been fully handed over to Duchess Sophie for her sole use
As King Charles looks to redefine the monarchy, Duchess Sophie and her husband Prince Edward are reportedly at the center of significant changes involving royal residences and family dynamics. Recent reports indicate that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are potential candidates to move into Royal Lodge, the current residence of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. This shift would mark a notable change, as King Charles is said to be eager to reassign the property. The king aims to relocate the Duke of York to Frogmore Cottage, previously the home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, Prince Andrew, who’s resided at Royal Lodge since 2003, is reportedly reluctant to leave his 30-room mansion, citing a 75-year lease and the estate’s historical significance as reasons for staying.
King Charles’s intentions extend beyond just reshuffling residences. The king is reportedly concerned about ensuring that Queen Camilla has a secure home for the future. As a result, he wishes to establish a stable residence for her in Windsor, potentially involving Sophie and Edward as caretakers of Royal Lodge. This plan reflects the king’s desire to provide for Camilla’s well-being after his passing. Prince Andrew’s desire to keep Royal Lodge as an inheritance for his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, has added to the complex dynamics. The Duke of York and Sarah Ferguson were allowed to remain in Royal Lodge following the Duchess of York’s cancer diagnosis in 2023. Nevertheless, the king’s push to finalize the relocation underscores the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s involvement in royal affairs extends beyond property matters. Sophie reportedly faced a snub from Meghan Markle, despite her attempts to offer support as a fellow outsider who joined the royal family in 1999. Sophie hoped to mentor Meghan, who was navigating her new royal role. According to a source, Sophie and Meghan had an extensive conversation where Sophie offered valuable advice on transitioning into royal life. Sophie found Meghan engaging and offered her support but was surprised when Meghan didn’t reciprocate or follow up. The Duchess had hoped for a return invitation to Frogmore Cottage, where Meghan and Harry were residing at the time. Some royal commentators suggest that Meghan may have felt that she didn’t need additional guidance, relying instead on Prince Harry.
