The Duke of York and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, are making waves in royal circles with their ambitious plans to establish a permanent home within the historic walls of Windsor Castle. According to sources close to the couple, they've set their sights on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former residence, Frogmore Cottage, as their preferred base.
A Royal Power Play Behind Palace Walls
Insiders reveal that Andrew and Ferguson have been actively campaigning for what they describe as a "forever home" that would cement their position within the royal establishment. Their persistence has reportedly caused significant tension within the Royal Household, with aides questioning the appropriateness of the request given Andrew's diminished royal duties.
"They're pushing very hard for this," revealed a palace source. "They see Windsor Castle as their rightful place and believe having a proper home there would stabilise their position within the family."
The Frogmore Cottage Conundrum
The couple's interest has specifically focused on Frogmore Cottage, the Grade II-listed property that previously served as Harry and Meghan's UK base before their move to California. The property underwent substantial renovations costing £2.4 million of taxpayer money before the Sussexes' departure.
Currently, Andrew resides at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, while Ferguson maintains her own residence nearby at Dolphin House. Their desire to consolidate their living arrangements has raised questions about who would foot the bill for any necessary adaptations to royal properties.
Mounting Resistance Within the Establishment
The couple's campaign faces significant opposition from royal officials concerned about both financial implications and public perception. Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the subsequent settlement of a civil sexual assault case has made any expansion of his royal privileges politically sensitive.
One senior courtier commented: "There's considerable unease about enhancing Andrew's position while he remains outside working royal life. The memory of the Epstein scandal hasn't faded, and many believe he should maintain a lower profile."
A Complicated Royal Dynamic
Despite divorcing in 1996, Andrew and Ferguson have maintained an unusually close relationship, often described as "the happiest divorced couple in the world." Their continued partnership has fascinated royal watchers for decades, with the couple frequently appearing together at family events and supporting each other through various personal challenges.
Their current campaign for a Windsor Castle home represents perhaps their most significant joint effort to redefine their place within the modern monarchy. However, with King Charles implementing a streamlined approach to royal duties and residences, their ambitions may face formidable obstacles from the very institution they seek to remain central to.
The coming months will reveal whether this royal power play succeeds or becomes another chapter in the complex story of Prince Andrew's contested place within the House of Windsor.
