King Charles III is intensifying his efforts to pressure Prince Andrew out of the Royal Lodge, following a recent move to remove the Duke of York's private security team. This development marks a new chapter in the ongoing feud between the monarch and his younger brother, centered on the disputed royal residence.
The situation began to unfold publicly when King Charles ordered the dismissal of the ten-man private security detail stationed at Royal Lodge, the property where Prince Andrew has lived since 2003. According to sources close to the royal family, the removal of this security team is merely the first step in a broader strategy to compel Andrew to vacate the property.
A source familiar with the situation told The Daily Beast, "It's been compared to a siege, and that is accurate in one respect because Charles will starve Andrew out. Security is just a first step. He will cut all financial support if he has to." The source emphasized that the King is prepared to take further actions, including withdrawing all financial backing from his brother.
The Royal Lodge, located on the Windsor estate, was leased to Andrew for a period of 75 years in 2003. With over five decades remaining on the lease, the Duke of York has significant legal grounds to remain in the property. Prince Andrew has indicated that he plans to pass the lease down to his daughters after his death, asserting his rights under the lease agreement.
King Charles's decision to cut the security team, which costs approximately £3 million annually, has been described as a calculated move to pressure Andrew into compliance. The security personnel are set to complete their contracts by the end of October, with no immediate plans to replace them. This action underscores the King's determination to assert control over the situation, despite the legal constraints imposed by the lease agreement.
Prince Andrew's refusal to vacate the Royal Lodge has been met with frustration from the monarch. A friend of the Duke of York commented, "Andrew wants his brother to live long and prosper. He is intensely loyal to the monarchy." However, the friend also suggested that the King's actions might seem vindictive, questioning why Charles is focusing on this issue given the broader challenges facing the monarchy.
The internal family dispute comes at a time when King Charles is already navigating significant health concerns, with reports indicating that he is dealing with cancer. This personal challenge adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing feud over Royal Lodge. The friend of Prince Andrew described the situation as "childish and vindictive," questioning the necessity of the public conflict over the estate.
The royal family's handling of the Royal Lodge issue has drawn mixed reactions. A former courtier remarked, "The whole thing is a mess and arguing about it publicly is not helping the King." This perspective highlights the view that the public dispute may be more damaging to the monarchy's image than the resolution of the lease issue itself.
