In a dramatic escalation of royal tensions, King Charles has reportedly drawn a firm line in the sand by refusing to provide Prince Andrew with a crucial £500,000 financial lifeline for his sprawling Windsor residence.
The decision leaves the Duke of York facing an impossible choice: find the substantial funds himself or finally acquiesce to his brother's long-standing request to vacate the 30-room Royal Lodge for the more modest Frogmore Cottage.
A Royal Standoff at Windsor
The heart of this fraternal conflict lies within the opulent walls of Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Prince Andrew has fiercely resisted pressure from the King to relinquish the grand mansion, a home he has poured millions into renovating and considers his family's sanctuary.
However, the property's immense size comes with equally immense running costs. The recent bill for essential repairs and maintenance is said to total around £500,000—a sum the King has now explicitly declined to cover from royal funds.
The Frogmore Cottage Ultimatum
Sources close to the matter suggest this financial pressure is a strategic move by King Charles. The monarch is understood to be resolute in his vision for a streamlined, cost-effective monarchy, and his brother's situation presents a clear contradiction to that principle.
The proposed alternative, Frogmore Cottage, became available after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made California their permanent home. While still a royal residence, it represents a significant downsize and aligns with the King's preference for more modest working royals' accommodations.
Financial Strain and Future Prospects
Prince Andrew's financial capacity to maintain Royal Lodge is severely limited. Since stepping back from public duties following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, he no longer receives the Sovereign Grant and relies on a naval pension and private wealth.
This latest development raises urgent questions about the Duke's next move. Can he secure private funding, or will the mounting financial pressure force a royal eviction, marking one of the most significant internal rifts within the House of Windsor in recent years?
