In a dramatic royal shake-up, Prince Andrew is facing mounting pressure to vacate his lavish 30-room Royal Lodge residence as King Charles III seeks to streamline the monarchy's property portfolio and reduce costs.
Royal Standoff at Windsor Estate
The Duke of York, who has called the Grade II-listed Royal Lodge home since 2004, is reportedly engaged in tense negotiations with the Crown Estate about his future living arrangements. Sources close to the royal household suggest the King is pushing for his brother to downsize significantly amid ongoing efforts to trim the royal family's substantial property expenses.
The potential relocation spot being discussed is the considerably more modest Frogmore Cottage - the former Windsor home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This five-bedroom property would represent a substantial downgrade from Andrew's current 30-room mansion set within 98 acres of private parkland.
Financial Pressures Mount
Royal finances have come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with the King known to favour a more streamlined and cost-effective monarchy. The maintenance costs for Royal Lodge are understood to be substantial, with Andrew previously committing to cover the £7.5 million refurbishment costs himself.
"There is a feeling that the Royal Lodge is too big for Andrew's needs, especially since his daughters have moved out," a palace insider revealed. "The King is looking at the broader picture of royal residences and where savings can be made."
A Home Steeped in Royal History
Royal Lodge holds significant personal history for the Duke of York, who invested considerable personal funds into restoring the property. The residence was originally the Windsor home of the Queen Mother, who lived there for nearly 70 years until her death in 2002.
The potential move to Frogmore Cottage would mark another chapter in that property's colourful recent history, which saw it become the UK base for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex before their relocation to California.
As negotiations continue behind palace walls, the outcome will signal how firmly King Charles intends to implement his vision of a modernised, financially prudent monarchy - even when it involves difficult family decisions.
