As King Charles III continues his efforts to reclaim the £30 million Royal Lodge in Windsor, Prince Andrew remains steadfast in his refusal to vacate the property. The Duke of York, stripped of his royal duties and titles, has reportedly taken up a peculiar new hobby while he resists his brother's attempts to have him move out. This latest development comes as the Duke faces mounting financial pressures, raising questions about the sustainability of his current lifestyle.
For over a year, King Charles has been pressing Prince Andrew to leave Royal Lodge, a sprawling estate just three miles south of Windsor Castle. The King's intent is clear: he wants the property to be available for Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their young family. However, Andrew has been resolute, insisting that he intends to "see out" the 55 years remaining on the lease he signed two decades ago. Despite the ongoing tensions, the Duke shows no signs of acquiescing to his brother's wishes.
A Bizarre New Hobby Amidst Mounting Pressure
As the standoff continues, Prince Andrew has reportedly found solace in an unusual hobby. According to Royal correspondent Richard Kay, the Duke has become "obsessed" with a live flight tracker app, projecting global air traffic onto a large screen in his home. This new pastime, which Kay describes as "beloved of planespotter nerds," reflects Andrew's long-standing fascination with aviation. The Duke served as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War, where he was commended for his bravery in flying decoy missions to protect British ships.
While the Duke's love for flying is well-documented, his latest hobby appears to be a way to pass the time as he faces an uncertain future. With no official royal duties and increasing financial strain, Andrew's daily routine now includes horse riding around Windsor Castle and indulging in his aviation interests. Yet, the specter of eviction looms large, with King Charles reportedly intensifying efforts to remove his brother from the Royal Lodge.
Financial Struggles and Royal Repercussions
Prince Andrew's determination to remain at Royal Lodge comes at a significant cost. The Duke is responsible for the upkeep of the 19th-century Grade II listed mansion, which has required extensive repairs over the years. Most recently, Andrew faced a £200,000 bill for roof repairs, a sum that adds to the mounting expenses of maintaining the property. With his only sources of income being a Royal Navy pension and a royal living allowance of around £1 million a year, Andrew's financial situation is precarious.
Moreover, King Charles has reportedly taken steps to make the Duke's situation even more challenging. Earlier this year, it was rumored that the King might cut off utilities to the Royal Lodge as part of his efforts to force Andrew out. Additionally, the monarch has allegedly withdrawn private funding for the Duke's security, leaving Andrew to cover the estimated £3 million annual cost himself. Without the necessary financial resources, the Duke may soon find it impossible to maintain both the property and the security needed to remain there.
Rumors of Future Plans for Royal Lodge
Speculation has also arisen regarding the future of Royal Lodge. Some insiders suggest that King Charles may be eyeing the property as a potential future home for Queen Camilla, should she outlive him. The Crown Estate, which holds the lease on the property, reportedly believes that it would be appropriate for the estate to remain under the occupancy of the Royal Family. This has fueled rumors that Andrew's eviction may be part of a broader plan to secure the Lodge for other royal purposes.
For now, however, Prince Andrew continues to hold his ground. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, with whom he shares the Lodge, has also remained at the property. Despite living in separate wings, the two have reportedly supported each other through the ongoing ordeal. Yet, the future of their residence at Royal Lodge remains uncertain as King Charles appears determined to reclaim the estate.
