Friends of Prince Andrew have revealed that he wishes he had tackled the ongoing dispute over his residence at Royal Lodge much earlier.
This saga, which has seen the Duke of York at odds with King Charles, has dragged on for quite some time now.
The crux of the matter revolves around Andrew’s refusal to vacate the £30 million estate in Windsor, despite his brother’s persistent requests for him to do so over the past year.
Royal experts, including Richard Kaye, have shared insights from those close to Andrew.
They suggest that he now regrets not securing a home of his own while Queen Elizabeth was still alive.
It’s no secret that the late monarch had a soft spot for Andrew, offering him more leniency than he is likely to receive under King Charles’s reign.
Kaye notes that although Andrew is not typically one to reflect deeply, this particular regret weighs heavily on him.
Apparently, Andrew has expressed to King Charles his intention to remain in the lavish 31-room mansion for the entirety of the 75-year lease he signed two decades ago.
This has raised eyebrows, especially considering the ongoing discussions about relocating to the nearby Frogmore Cottage, which is currently unoccupied after being the residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
For over twenty years, Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, have called the sprawling 98-acre Windsor estate home.
Friends of Andrew assert that he feels no obligation to leave, given the long-term lease he holds on the property.
However, King Charles appears to be taking measures to expedite Andrew’s departure, reportedly by withdrawing his private security team.
In a surprising move, the King has decided to end the ten-man security detail that has been in place since Andrew lost his official police protection in 2022.
This decision comes as speculation mounts regarding Andrew’s future at Royal Lodge, with insiders suggesting that the removal of security could signal an impending eviction.
A source from the palace commented on the situation, stating, “It’s no secret that the King wants him out.”
The insider further elaborated that Andrew has become somewhat of a recluse, leading many to speculate that this is why his security detail is being dissolved.
With their contract set to expire in October, it seems there are no plans to replace them.
Meanwhile, King Charles III and Queen Camilla have made their way to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where they have traditionally invited family members for picnics and outdoor activities.
Among the guests are Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who now face the awkward task of discussing their shared residence at Royal Lodge.
As the royal family enjoys their time together, the looming question remains: what will happen to Andrew and Sarah’s future at Royal Lodge?
With tensions rising and decisions being made, it seems that the clock is ticking for the Duke of York.
This family drama continues to unfold, drawing public interest and speculation.
As Andrew grapples with his choices and the implications of his actions, the royal family navigates the complexities of tradition, duty, and personal relationships.
The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly shape the dynamics within the royal household for years to come.