In a surprising twist within the royal family, Prince Andrew is reportedly digging in his heels over his residence at Royal Lodge, despite facing a significant snub from his brother, King Charles III.
The Duke of York has made it clear that he intends to remain at his luxurious property, a decision that comes after King Charles cut off his financial support.
Andrew’s determination to stay at the opulent Windsor mansion seems unwavering, even as it becomes increasingly apparent that his brother is making life difficult for him.
A royal commentator has suggested that the Duke is defiantly standing his ground in this familial standoff regarding the 31-bedroom estate.
The father of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie appears to be sending a bold message by continuing to occupy the £30 million residence, which has recently been depicted in distressing images showing signs of neglect.
Reports indicate that the home, once belonging to the late Queen Mother and King George VI, is now in disrepair, reflecting Andrew’s current state of mind.
Experts have noted that the deteriorating condition of the property symbolizes Andrew’s apparent disregard for both its history and his brother’s authority.
The author remarked that Andrew’s indifference is evident as the house falls apart around him, indicating a deeper sense of rebellion against King Charles.
Recent photographs have revealed alarming issues such as black mold and significant cracks throughout the residence.
This comes on the heels of reports that King Charles has withdrawn Andrew’s annual living allowance, previously set at £1 million, further complicating his ability to maintain the estate.
Adding to the tension, Andrew reportedly turned down an offer to relocate to Frogmore Cottage, a more modest option that has undergone renovations.
This refusal prompted King Charles to eliminate Andrew’s security detail, leaving him with the choice of self-financing or vacating the lodge altogether.
The potential transfer of the lease for Royal Lodge to non-working family members may require special approval from the Crown Estate, particularly under King Charles’s reign, as he may prioritize other uses for royal properties.
While Andrew holds substantial rights to the lease, he might still face hurdles when it comes to passing it on to family without explicit permission.
Financially, the upkeep and security costs associated with Royal Lodge could easily reach thousands of pounds each year, placing additional strain on Andrew’s resources.
This financial pressure could complicate his plans to remain in the residence long-term.
There has been speculation about who might replace Andrew at Royal Lodge if he were to vacate.
Prince William and Catherine have been identified as potential candidates.
However, royal expert Richard Kaye suggests that the couple is not currently interested in the property, especially with their focus on Kate’s health.
Royal Lodge is not just any home; it’s a historic 19th-century Grade II-listed property set on 90 acres of land, complete with a swimming pool.
Andrew signed a 75-year lease for the estate in 2003 and currently shares it with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
