‘Logical choice’: Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie tipped to claim Royal Lodge as Andrew battles to stay in the crumbling estate

Prince Andrew is exploring passing the lease of Royal Lodge onto his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson or his daughters – but an unlikely couple of family members could instead steal the crumbling estate from them, new reports have claimed.

The Grade II listed home is suffering from maintenance problems and King Charles, 75, is reportedly using the urgent repair works to force the Yorks, both 64, out of the home as they cannot afford the £400,000-a-year upkeep fee.The disgraced Duke of York reportedly again refused to leave the home earlier this month when the monarch doubled down on forcing him out and into the Sussex’s former home – the smaller Frogmore Cottage.