King Charles issues Prince Andrew a strict ultimatum amid the heated Royal Lodge “siege.”
Prince Andrew is still living in his vast Royal Lodge home on the Windsor estate nearly five years after stepping down from official duties - but there are said to be two options put forward by King Charles to end the row over his living arrangements
King Charles has issued Prince Andrew two options in a bid to end the row over his living arrangements dubbed the “siege of Royal Lodge”.
Charles is growing increasingly frustrated at Andrew’s decision to continue living at the huge Royal Lodge in Windsor, it is understood. He wants to move him to Prince Harry’s old house at Frogmore Cottage. Sources close to the King now refer to it as “the Andrew problem” and said there are “only two possible options” to solve it.
The first would be for Andrew to find a way to become independent and pay for all his own expenses, which would cover his security and the upkeep on his home. But with no apparent income except for his modest naval pension, it remains clear if he could meet the costs.
The second option is for Andrew to agree to move to “more suitable accommodation”. Charles has personally earmarked Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate as a suitable home for Andrew.
He is still living in the vast Royal Lodge despite stepping down from official duties nearly five years ago. His police security was removed after a Home Office review and he is now guarded by a security team which costs an estimated £3million a year and is funded from the King’s private wealth.
Charles also provides Andrew with a generous living allowance at his own expense. A source told The Times said the King is losing patience. He said: “It is now two years into the King’s reign and he wants the matter settled.”
The King, meanwhile, is said to be “reconsidering” the amount of funding he gives Andrew. The contract, which provides a ten-strong security detail to guard the duke at Royal Lodge, runs out this autumn and is not expected to be renewed. No replacement team is thought to have been lined up.
It is understood that steps have already been taken to withdraw funding from Andrew. Rather than a punitive step, it is thought to be a decision of financial pragmatism and a way of securing the duke’s long-term security as he gets older.
