The Duke of York is facing increasing pressure from his brother, King Charles, to relinquish his 30-room Windsor mansion as the monarchy continues to distance itself from the scandal-plagued prince.
Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew's current residence, has become the centre of a royal power struggle. The King is reportedly urging his brother to accept a more modest dwelling on the Windsor Estate, potentially Frogmore Cottage - the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Financial Squeeze
Sources close to the royal household suggest this isn't merely a suggestion but an ultimatum. With Charles streamlining the monarchy and cutting costs, maintaining Andrew's lavish lifestyle has become increasingly difficult to justify, particularly given the Duke's damaged reputation.
The royal purse strings have tightened significantly since Andrew settled his civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre out of court in 2022. Though he continues to deny all allegations, his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has made him a liability the monarchy can ill afford.
A Home Steeped in History
Royal Lodge holds particular significance for Andrew, who secured a 75-year lease on the property in 2003 and has invested considerable personal funds in its renovation. The Grade II listed home, set in 98 acres of parkland, has been his primary residence since his divorce from Sarah Ferguson.
Despite his attachment to the property, the writing appears to be on the wall. The King's determination to see his brother move to smaller accommodations reflects both practical financial considerations and the need to protect the monarchy's image.
What Comes Next?
The standoff continues, with Andrew reportedly digging in his heels while the King maintains his position. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how the royal family handles internal conflicts and manages its properties in the modern era.
As one palace insider noted: "This isn't just about real estate - it's about the future of the monarchy and what behaviour it's willing to tolerate from its senior members."
