King Charles III has reportedly decided to end the private security detail assigned to his younger brother, Prince Andrew, at the Duke's longtime residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor. This decision, expected to take effect by the end of October, is seen as a significant step in what has been described as a strategic effort by the King to push his embattled brother out of the royal property.
The Royal Lodge, a sprawling 31-room mansion nestled on 98 acres of Windsor estate, has been Prince Andrew's home for over two decades. Despite holding a "cast iron" 75-year lease on the property, the Duke of York may soon be forced to vacate, with sources close to the Palace indicating that the removal of his security team is a clear signal that King Charles wants his brother out.
A palace insider noted, "Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?"
The decision to cut Prince Andrew's security detail follows a series of controversies that have marred the Duke's public image, particularly his involvement in the U.S. sex abuse case related to Jeffrey Epstein. In 2022, amid the fallout from the scandal, Andrew's taxpayer-funded, round-the-clock Metropolitan Police security was removed, leaving King Charles to fund a private security team. However, the King's decision to end this arrangement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between the two brothers.
Friends of Prince Andrew, who resides at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, assert that the Duke has no legal obligation to leave the property, given his long-term lease. However, with no replacement security team being lined up, it appears that King Charles is increasing pressure on Andrew to move out. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the King had offered Andrew the opportunity to move into Frogmore Cottage, the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but the Duke reportedly refused.
The situation at Royal Lodge has been likened to a "siege," with King Charles reportedly warning his brother that life at the mansion would become "increasingly cold and uncomfortable" should he choose to stay. The King has also hinted at cutting off the £4 million per year he currently provides to support Prince Andrew, further tightening the financial constraints on the Duke.
Despite the mounting pressure, Prince Andrew has remained at Royal Lodge, rarely leaving the property since Christmas. Sources suggest that he continues to enjoy regular visits from his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, as well as their children. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, told Fabulous Magazine that Andrew's daughters often bring their families to see him, knowing that he is "stuck at Royal Lodge."
As the October deadline approaches, the future of Royal Lodge remains uncertain. While some reports have speculated that the property could be leased to a new tenant, others suggest that the Royal Household has no immediate plans to move another royal into the estate. Prince William and Kate Middleton, who currently reside at Adelaide Cottage, have reportedly expressed no interest in relocating to the Lodge.
The latest developments come as both King Charles and Prince Andrew spend time at Balmoral, the Scottish estate where the royal family traditionally gathers during the summer. Despite the ongoing tensions, Palace sources have maintained that Prince Andrew remains a member of the royal family and is welcome at family events, though there are no plans for him to return to public duties.
