Fergie rents out London townhouse amid royal pressure to vacate

Sarah Ferguson, known as Fergie, has decided not to move into her £4.25 million London townhouse, which she has rented out for approximately £16,000 a month. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from King Charles III for her and Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, their large Windsor residence. The couple faces a significant financial burden, with the upkeep of Royal Lodge costing around £400,000 annually, alongside a £3 million yearly security bill that will no longer be covered by the King from November. Despite the allure of relocating to a luxury townhouse near Buckingham Palace, the Yorks have resisted suggestions to downsize to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their current living situation is unsustainable, and they are urged to find a more manageable property to alleviate financial strain. A source indicated that moving to a smaller residence could save them £200,000 per year. Fergie purchased the Belgravia property in 2022, with her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, also listed on the Land Registry. The funding for this investment is believed to have come from inheritance left by the late Prince Philip and the Queen. A restriction on the property prevents Fergie from selling it without her daughters' consent, indicating that it is intended as a long-term asset for the family. The ongoing situation highlights the need for the Yorks to establish financial independence while navigating royal expectations. As they face mounting pressure to downsize, the future of their living arrangements remains uncertain, with the potential for significant lifestyle changes ahead.