Beatrice and Eugenie 'face inheritance issue' over Prince Andrew's £30m Royal Lodge

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice may struggle to inherit Royal Lodge despite their father Prince Andrew's 75-year lease, an expert suggested. The disgraced royal is facing increased scrutiny, and the latest twists in his scandals may end up costing him his hopes of leaving the property to his daughters.

King Charles reportedly stopped paying for his brother Andrew's security at the £30million Windsor estate in a bid to cut costs, forcing the Duke of York to cover the expenses himself.

Reports suggest that the 64-year-old hopes to keep the residence in the family, with plans to bequeath it to his daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. However, an expert has explained why potential hurdles could arise and warned that any inheritance plans might prove challenging due to the lease terms.

Terry Fisher, of We Buy Any Home, told Reach PLC: "Andrew's long lease, reportedly lasting 75 years, shows that he's invested significantly in Royal Lodge, giving him strong occupancy rights. He might hope to pass the property on to his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, once he can no longer reside there," reports Aberdeen Live.

"However, royal leases often include restrictions around succession, especially for properties intended to serve working royals. Such leases aren't always straightforward inheritance-wise; transferring the lease to non-working members of the family could likely require the Crown Estate's approval, especially under King Charles, who might prioritise other uses for royal properties.

"In other words, while Andrew has substantial rights under the lease, he may still face limitations in passing it on to family without special permissions."

Terry further explained that the maintenance and security costs of the lodge could amount to thousands of pounds each year, potentially straining Andrew's finances and making it challenging for him to stay at the lodge.

Prince William and Kate Middleton were once seen as the logical successors to occupy the Royal Lodge if Andrew were to leave. But now the pair are moving into their "forever home", reportsThe Mirror.

The pair are moving from their current home at Adelaide Cottage into Forest Lodge, another propert on the Windsor estate. Royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror: "William is focused on creating a stable and private family life: the kind he never had when he was growing up.

"And so he wants to keep his family firmly rooted. He's already defined the way he wants to do things: he calls it royalty with a small R.

"And I think a 'forever' home at Forest Lodge is in keeping with that philosophy. I don't think William is going to bat an eyelid about breaking certain royal traditions.

"He doesn't want to live in a palace or a castle and he has made up his mind to do things differently. Living in a house - albeit a pretty big house as Forest Lodge is - will give his family a much more normal life, and that, I'm sure, is going to stand them in good stead."