Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has bought a multi-million pound chalet in Switzerland.

The 54-year-old son of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has splashed out on the property with ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, in one of the country's most exclusive resorts, Verbier.

The seven bedroom house - named Chalet Helora - is believed to be worth up to £13 million and features a swimming pool, a large sun terrace and views across the mountains.

A local businessman who claims to have an extensive knowledge of the building said: "It used to be one of the nicest chalets in Verbier 30 years ago. When they built it, it was one of the best because of the views, the sunsets and it's almost ski-in ski-out, so for many reasons. It dominates the area."

The couple divorced in 1996 after 10 years of marriage but have remained friends while raising their two daughters, Princesses Beatrice, 26, and Eugenie, 24.

The Duke and Duchess are believed to have decided to purchase the property together after a year of negotiations to avoid regulations restricting the size of properties bought by foreigners, splitting the chalet evenly as well as the 881 metres squared of land.

A source close to the 55-year-old mother-of-two described the purchase as a "family investment" due to their keen interest in winter sports.

The source said: "They holiday in Verbier several times each year as all the family are keen skiers and it makes sense to have their own place there."