King Charles III's ongoing feud with Prince Andrew is intensifying as the monarch pushes his younger brother to vacate the Royal Lodge in Windsor. Andrew, who stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following a disastrous Newsnight interview and his association with Jeffrey Epstein, has resisted efforts to relocate, citing his long-standing lease and ability to fund the property's maintenance independently.
The Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-room mansion on the Windsor Estate, has been Andrew's residence since 2003. Earlier this year, King Charles suggested that Andrew downsize to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The proposal was part of Charles's broader efforts to modernize royal operations and align living arrangements with the responsibilities of working royals.
Despite pressure to leave, Andrew recently convinced palace authorities to allow him to remain by demonstrating his ability to cover the costs of the estate himself. "If Andrew can pay for his own upkeep with legitimate means, then it is not an issue. But the King's patience has run out when it comes to funding his brother's lifestyle in a way that does not fit his status," a source told The Times.
Earlier this year, Charles reportedly instructed the Keeper of the Privy Purse to cut Andrew's £1 million annual allowance, which he had relied on to cover living and security expenses. The financial decision further escalated tensions between the brothers, leaving Andrew to secure alternative funding for his lifestyle.
Andrew has received emotional support from his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, throughout the ordeal. A source told Cambridge News, "Loyal and protective Princess Beatrice and Eugenie are reportedly spending more quality time than ever before with their dad Prince Andrew, to help boost his spirits."
The Royal Lodge has long been a contentious issue. Gareth Russell, a royal commentator, explained on GB News, "Now this may mean, in the future, there'll be a radical shake-up about how these sort of grace-and-favour Royal Estate contracts are drawn up, because it's become quite clear that the Crown doesn't have the authority over some of its own properties that it might have in an ideal world."
Andrew's lease, which extends until 2078, requires him to "repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and where necessary rebuild" the property. Reports suggest that renovations on the estate have been delayed, further complicating the situation. Despite these challenges, Andrew remains determined to hold onto the property, which he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
The future of the Royal Lodge remains uncertain. While initial rumors suggested that the Prince and Princess of Wales might move into the property, they appear content at Adelaide Cottage. Royal experts have speculated that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh may eventually take over the estate if Andrew is forced to vacate.
Russell also highlighted the historical significance of the Royal Lodge. "Bear in mind, it was the last home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. So it's traditionally been assigned to senior royals," he noted.
