Prince Andrew could be replaced at Royal Lodge by unlikely royal couple

Prince Andrew has been residing at the Royal Lodge in Windsor since 2003, but his brother, King Charles III, is said to be planning to move him to Frogmore Cottage

Ever since Prince Andrew stepped back from Royal duties amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which he has vehemently denied, he's been holed up at the Royal Lodge in Windsor - but this could soon change.

Whispers suggest King Charles might be hinting for his brother to downsize to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Despite many seeing the Prince and Princess of Wales as the natural heirs to the Royal Lodge, they seem quite content at Adelaide Cottage, sparking rumours that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh could be the next in line for the Lodge if Prince Andrew moves out. Prince Andrew bagged a 75-year lease on the Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate in 2003, with a substantial 54 years remaining, and he appears set on sticking to it.

Royal expert Gareth Russell dished to GB News: "Royal Lodge has a high-profile history within the Royal Family. Bear in mind, it was the last home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. So it's traditionally been assigned to senior royals."

He added, "The logical choice, of course, would be the Prince and Princess of Wales, but they've shown relatively little interest in moving home again. They seem quite content where they are. It could be the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh."

Sources close to Andrew claim he's poured more than £7.5 million into sprucing up the Royal Lodge and its sprawling 93 acres, reports the Express.

Prince Andrew is reportedly refusing to leave the Royal Lodge, with alleged plans to transfer his lease to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie after his death. Since moving into the 30-room mansion in 2003, Andrew has shared the residence with his ex-wife, Sarah, and their daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Despite the sisters moving out and despite their separation in 1992 and subsequent divorce four years later, Andrew and Sarah have reportedly continued to live in the property. The Royal Lodge mansion boasts 30 rooms and 21 secluded areas, along with a vast garden, with a Gothic drawing room at the heart of the house.

Prince Edward, 60, and his wife Sophie, 59, have lived in Bagshot Park since their wedding in 1999. However, Gareth also hinted that the Royal Lodge may not be occupied in the coming years.

He added: "It could also be that this is part of another move by the King to slim down or shake up the Royal property portfolio. It's not the case that we're seeing them being replaced by other royals as much as they were in the past."

"So it may be that Royal Lodge is just put to different use once Prince Andrew leaves. It's possible that no one will go into Royal Lodge."

Gareth revealed that when Royal residences are left unoccupied, it "doesn't necessarily" imply they will be filled by other royals, a shift from practices during the late Queen Elizabeth II's era.