King Charles III Paid $2 Million to Cover Cost of Ex-Prince Andrew’s Departure from Windsor Estate

King Charles III disbursed a sum of $2 million, equivalent to 1.5 million pounds, to settle financial obligations incurred by his younger brother, the former Prince Andrew, following his departure from the Crown-owned Windsor Estate. The payment was made to ensure timely payment to the Crown Estate, which had incurred a £1.8 million charge due to the property's deteriorated condition, and received a £302,000 credit for Andrew's early termination of his lease.

The Charlottesville-based Crown Estate disclosed these figures as it announced Andrew's complete vacating of the Royal Lodge, a 30-room residence nestled in parkland adjacent to Windsor Castle. Andrew vacated the property in February 2023. The Crown Estate is a publicly-traded company under the control of Parliament, tasked with managing properties belonging to the monarch during their lifetime, but operated for the benefit of the general populace.

In light of Andrew's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Charles severed his princely title and compelled his brother's exit from the Royal Lodge last year. The U.S. Justice Department released a substantial trove of documents from its investigation into Epstein, revealing previously undisclosed details about his connections to the former prince.

The former prince's continued occupancy of Royal Lodge without any rent payment or upkeep was a contentious issue, as it was stipulated in the 75-year lease signed in 2003 when Andrew was still a member of the royal family with public engagements on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.