In a dramatic turn of events, King Charles is reportedly beginning the process of extracting valuable artifacts from Prince Andrew‘s Royal Lodge, a move that underscores the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
According to a well-known biographer of the monarchy, the Duke of York, who has been embroiled in scandal, is facing eviction from his lavish residence on the Windsor Castle estate as Charles withdraws financial support.
The situation took an unexpected twist last week when it was revealed that Prince Andrew had found an undisclosed financial backer, allowing him to remain at the Royal Lodge despite the king’s plans to evict him.
However, this development hasn’t deterred Charles from addressing security and maintenance concerns associated with the property.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman shared insights on the Palace Confidential podcast, suggesting that the royal collection may no longer trust the safety of the premises, prompting the removal of priceless paintings and furniture.
Andrew, 64, has been living in the Royal Lodge since 2004, sharing the space with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Hardman noted that Charles is becoming increasingly aware that the Crown Estate property isn’t fully under his control.
The complex nature of royal property ownership means that the estate ultimately answers to the government, complicating any eviction efforts.
Despite the king’s intentions, it appears that Andrew’s newfound financial backing has muddied the waters.
The source of this funding remains a mystery, raising eyebrows and prompting calls from the UK government for transparency about where the money is coming from.
Currently, Andrew’s only reliable income stems from a Royal Navy pension, which casts doubt on his ability to sustain his lifestyle without external support.
Speculation has arisen regarding the involvement of Michael Stevens, the keeper of the Privy Purse, who allegedly approved the financing for Andrew.
This revelation has fueled discussions about the legitimacy of the funds and whether they align with the expectations placed upon a member of the royal family.
Since 2019, Andrew has relied heavily on a significant allowance from King Charles’s personal wealth, a financial lifeline that was cut off last month.
The duke’s expenses, which include a staggering $4 million annually for personal security, have become untenable for the king, leading to the decision to relocate Andrew to Frogmore Cottage—a property that has remained vacant since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle vacated it in 2023.
Frogmore Cottage has traditionally been associated with royals who engage in public duties, a role that Andrew no longer fulfills.
Hardman pointed out that the historical significance of the home raises questions about Andrew’s continued residence in a place once occupied by sovereigns.
The former prince, now stripped of public responsibilities, seems to be clinging to a lifestyle that no longer reflects his status.
As the eviction saga unfolds, it’s clear that King Charles is feeling the weight of the situation.
The ongoing conflict has not only strained family ties but also brought unwanted scrutiny to the monarchy.
It’s a challenging moment for the king, who is tasked with upholding royal traditions while managing the fallout from his brother’s controversies.
The royal family has always been a subject of fascination, and this latest chapter only adds to the intrigue.