Compensation for former Prince Andrew. That's how much he got for leaving the residence

The younger brother of King Charles III lived for two decades in the stately 30-room Royal Lodge, located in the heart of Windsor Great Park. In February this year, he moved to one of the estates in Sandringham - the private residence of the monarch in East Anglia.

The decision to pay compensation was not accidental. Under the terms of the lease, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was entitled to compensation if he gave up his lease within the first 25 years. The investment in the renovation of the Royal Lodge was of key importance here - just after the lease began, the then prince covered the renovation costs, which amounted to as much as £7.5 million.

The Crown Estate, which manages properties that are the "public estate of the sovereign", explained that the indemnity clause was introduced precisely because of the huge financial outlay incurred by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

"The Royal Lodge lease has expired and our primary focus is now on its future use and the potential to generate additional financial value for the country through its premature return," an official statement said.

Let us recall that in October last year, King Charles III ordered his younger brother to leave the Royal Lodge and stripped him of his titles. This decision was a reaction to public outrage over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the late American financier convicted of sex crimes.

The future of the Royal Lodge remains open. The Crown Estate announces that the estate may soon be given a new purpose, and its rental or sale will bring additional funds to the state budget.