A Grade II listed home in Windsor Nice Park, the Royal Lodge served as a childhood nation retreat for the late Queen Elizabeth. For Her Majesty, the Georgian-style property, which boasts 30 rooms, a swimming pool, chapel, and several other cottages, held many childhood recollections, and to this present day, Y Bwthyn Bach – the two-storey thatched playhouse gifted to Elizabeth in 1932 – stands on its 98 acres of land.
© GettyWhereas the late Queen spent her last years at Windsor Citadel, and naturally, her beloved Balmoral Citadel, the Royal Lodge remained in use, and from 2004 to 2026, was the house of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. As of this month, nevertheless, the pair have been evicted from the property, which is presently being searched by Thames Valley Police.
Following his arrest on 19 February, Andrew, 66, is dealing with allegations of misconduct in public workplace, with police investigating claims that he shared confidential info throughout his appointment because the UK’s commerce envoy.
© Getty PhotographsIn the meanwhile, Andrew is residing at Wooden Farm in Sandringham, and there’s no phrase on the way forward for the Royal Lodge, nor who may inhabit the property subsequent. Ever puzzled what it appeared like in days lengthy gone? Right here, we keep in mind the property’s former life as an idyllic rural retreat to Queen Elizabeth…
A household haven
© Getty PhotographsQueen Elizabeth’s grandfather, King George V, gave the Royal Lodge to his son Prince Albert (later King George VI) in 1931. Because of this, a younger Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, made numerous recollections on the property with their dad and mom and their beloved pets. Within the above photograph, captured in 1940, a teenage Elizabeth poses along with her household and their three canine, Ching, Carol and Crackers.
The Queen’s two-storey playhouse
© Print CollectorIn 1932, a younger Princess Elizabeth was gifted with a ginormous playhouse by the individuals of Wales. After it was introduced to her dad and mom, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mom (identified then because the Duke and Duchess of York), it was put in on the grounds of the Royal Lodge, the place it has remained ever since.
Decadent interiors
© Getty PhotographsThe late Princess Margaret, who turned an completed pianist, developed a love of music from a really younger age, and she or he usually performed on the piano on the Royal Lodge. Right here she is, pictured in 1940, surrounded by decadent furnishings, together with framed portraits.
The workplace of King George VI
© Getty PhotographsElizabeth, who shared a detailed bond along with her father, spent a substantial amount of time studying about state affairs and constitutional historical past earlier than ascending to the throne. Photographed on 11 April 1942, the Princess will be seen watching King George intently as he labored at his desk within the Royal Lodge.
The outside
© Getty PhotographsThe Royal Lodge is an instance of Georgian structure, significantly with its elegant sash home windows. From 1952 to 2002, it was the non-public residence of the Queen Mom.
