In a royal family saga that seems to be plucking at the strings of public interest, reports have emerged detailing a growing rift between King Charles and his younger brother, the Duke of York.
This ongoing conflict centers around the Duke’s living arrangements, which have become a point of contention within the Windsor estate.
Currently, the Duke of York resides in the Royal Lodge alongside his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York.
However, King Charles, now 75, has been advocating for a change in residence, urging his brother to relocate to Frogmore Cottage—the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
This property, nestled within the secure confines of the Windsor estate, has undergone extensive renovations, making it a more appealing option for Andrew.
The stakes are high, as Andrew’s security needs have dramatically increased since he lost his police protection.
Now reliant on a private security team, the annual cost of safeguarding him has reportedly soared to an eye-watering £3 million.
While moving to Frogmore Cottage seems like a sensible solution for both parties, Andrew has rebuffed the king’s generous offer time and again.
As tensions escalate, it appears that Charles is running out of patience.
Recent reports indicate that the king is presenting his brother with a stark choice: either become financially independent and shoulder his own living expenses, including security and maintenance, or accept the move to Frogmore Cottage, which Charles has earmarked as a suitable new home.
Jenny Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent known for her insightful commentary on royal affairs, weighed in on this familial dispute.
She believes that the most pragmatic course of action for Andrew would be to accept the king’s proposal and relocate to a more manageable residence while the offer still stands.
Bond pointed out that maintaining a disgraced duke in a sprawling 30-room mansion, which costs around £2 million for security and requires up to £500,000 annually for upkeep, does not reflect well on the monarchy.
Observers have noted that Andrew seems to spend his days either gallivanting across the expansive estate on horseback or glued to a screen, watching live coverage of planes taking off and landing—hardly a dignified pastime for a member of the royal family.
With the royal image at stake, Bond suggested that moving to Frogmore Cottage could provide a fresh start for Andrew.
The cottage, recently refurbished at a cost of £2.4 million, was finally paid back by Harry and Meghan, making it available for use.
It’s a reasonable and generous offer from the king, allowing Andrew to maintain a semblance of royal life without the exorbitant costs associated with his current residence.
Furthermore, Frogmore Cottage is situated closer to Windsor, which could potentially reduce security risks, given its location within the high-security perimeter surrounding the palace.
