The Duke of York's reluctance to swiftly vacate Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park, may have handed his brother, King Charles, an unexpected and timely advantage ahead of the festive season.
A Protracted Property Dispute
In a significant move last October, King Charles confirmed he would strip Andrew of his prince title and finally remove him from the long-disputed Royal Lodge. This followed Andrew's own announcement that he would surrender his royal titles, including Duke of York, amidst intense scrutiny over his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The monarch and his brother have been locked in a prolonged battle over the lease of the property, which Andrew shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Despite the King's directive, reports indicate the minimum notice period Andrew could give is 12 months, meaning he could technically retain control of the lodge for another year.
An Uninvited Guest and a Fortuitous Delay
According to sources cited by The Times, Andrew is “unlikely to be in a hurry” to leave, even though palace aides are reportedly “adamant” they expect his departure in the first quarter of 2026. This apparent foot-dragging, however, is now seen in a new light.
As commentator Kate Mansey noted, the delay means Andrew will not have moved into his Sandringham residence in time for the royal family's Christmas celebrations there. With Andrew not invited to the festivities, sources close to Charles view this timing as rather “fortuitous,” sparing the King a potentially awkward proximity during the holidays.
When Andrew does eventually move to Sandringham next year, it is suggested Charles may opt to host Christmas at Windsor Castle instead, following a tradition set by Queen Victoria, thereby avoiding the issue altogether.
Royal Diplomacy and a Hint of Humour
This development comes as King Charles recently demonstrated his diplomatic role, hosting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for a state banquet at Windsor Castle. The high-profile event on 4 December 2025 was attended by figures including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, model Claudia Schiffer, and composer Hans Zimmer.
In his speech, the King stressed the importance of Western unity, stating, “The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.” President Steinmeier affirmed Germany's support, standing “side by side” with Ukraine.
Adding a lighter touch, Charles referenced the famed sporting rivalry between the two nations, joking: “One has to admit some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where 11 people play 11 people and then, in the end, Germany win!” The event was also attended by Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Princess Royal.
Thus, what initially seemed like a stubborn delay in a bitter family property row has inadvertently provided King Charles with a welcome piece of “Christmas cheer,” simplifying his first festive season as monarch since the major rift with his brother.
