In a dramatic royal eviction that signals a permanent shift in the Duke of York's standing within the monarchy, King Charles has ordered Prince Andrew to vacate his lavish 30-room Windsor residence, Royal Lodge.
The King's decisive action comes after months of tense negotiations and represents the most significant step yet in removing the scandal-plagued prince from the royal frontline.
The End of an Era at Royal Lodge
Prince Andrew, who has called the magnificent Royal Lodge home since 2004, is now facing the reality of downsizing to the considerably more modest Frogmore Cottage - the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
This forced relocation marks a stunning fall from grace for the Queen's former favourite son, who once enjoyed a prominent position within the royal family.
Financial Pressures Mount
The move follows the King's decision to slash his brother's annual £249,000 allowance from the Sovereign Grant, leaving the Duke struggling to maintain the multi-million pound property's substantial upkeep costs.
Royal Lodge requires an estimated £400,000 annually for basic maintenance and staffing, creating an unsustainable financial burden for Andrew without official royal funding.
A Royal Residence with History
The 30-room mansion, set within 98 acres of stunning Windsor Great Park, has been Andrew's home for nearly two decades. He shares the property with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, despite their divorce, in an unusual living arrangement that has raised eyebrows in royal circles.
The Grade II-listed property boasts an impressive history, having once been home to the Queen Mother for nearly 50 years until her passing in 2002.
The Epstein Fallout Continues
This dramatic development represents the latest consequence of Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which culminated in the Duke settling a civil sexual assault case out of court in 2022.
Since ascending the throne, King Charles has moved decisively to streamline the monarchy and distance the institution from his brother's controversies, with this eviction serving as the clearest message yet that there's no way back for the disgraced duke.
