Prince Andrew is grappling with the fallout of King Charles's decision to cut off private funding for his security team, prompting the Duke of York to seek alternative measures to safeguard his residence at Royal Lodge. The move, which insiders suggest is part of a broader effort by the King to streamline royal expenses and distance the monarchy from controversies, has left Prince Andrew scrambling to find a viable solution.
The Duke, who has long resided at the sprawling 30-bedroom Royal Lodge in Windsor, is reportedly determined to stay put despite the financial and logistical challenges posed by the loss of his 10-strong security detail. According to sources close to the situation, King Charles has made it clear that no taxpayer money will be used to cover the costs of Andrew's security after the private team exits in October.
Faced with the escalating costs of maintaining adequate protection for his residence, Prince Andrew has reportedly opted for a "mobile security" team. This alternative approach is seen as a compromise, allowing for round-the-clock protection through regular patrols and an on-call response team, while avoiding the high costs associated with a permanent security presence. A new security system is also set to be installed inside the property to bolster its defenses.
"The only reason the private security team has been discontinued is due to costs," a source told The Express. "There was a proposal put forward for when this contract comes to an end in October, but it was too high. Discussions were had about using a mobile security team, which still means the property will have round-the-clock protection."
Despite these efforts, the situation remains tense, as Prince Andrew has refused to leave the Royal Lodge, a property estimated to be worth £30 million. This reluctance persists despite being offered the use of nearby Frogmore Cottage, which underwent a £2.4 million renovation in 2019. The Duke's determination to stay is further complicated by the terms of his 75-year lease, which requires him to maintain and repair the mansion extensively.
The lease stipulates that the Duke must "repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild" the property. Additionally, the walls of the mansion must be repainted every five years with two coats of paint, and the interior must be "painted with at least two coats of paint and paper, polished, decorated, and otherwise appropriately treated" every seven years, starting from 2010.
Amidst the ongoing challenges, it has been revealed that Prince Andrew has been largely reclusive, seldom leaving Royal Lodge since the beginning of the year. However, a glimmer of relief may be on the horizon as the Duke reportedly plans to join his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, at Craigowan Cottage on the Balmoral estate. The cottage, a favorite of the late Queen, has been offered to Prince Andrew for the summer, providing a much-needed escape from his current predicament.
"Andrew has hardly left Royal Lodge since Christmas, so he's very much looking forward to getting away with the rest of the family at Balmoral," an insider shared. "He's turned into a bit of a recluse, so the girls are hoping that some nice family time will help cheer him up a bit and bring him out of his shell."
