In a dramatic royal reshuffle that signals a significant downgrading of his status, Prince Andrew is reportedly being forced to relinquish his luxurious 30-room Royal Lodge home and move into Prince Harry's former Frogmore Cottage residence.
Royal Downsizing for Disgraced Duke
King Charles is pushing ahead with major cost-cutting measures within the monarchy, with his brother Andrew becoming a primary target in the streamlining operation. The Duke of York currently resides in the sprawling Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, a property he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
The potential move to the considerably more modest Frogmore Cottage represents a substantial reduction in both space and status for the Duke, who has been largely sidelined from royal duties following the scandal surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Financial Pressures Drive Royal Reshuffle
Sources close to the royal household indicate that financial considerations are driving the proposed relocation. The King is keen to reduce the monarchy's footprint and associated costs amid ongoing economic pressures.
"The Royal Lodge requires significant expenditure to maintain its condition," revealed a palace insider. "With Andrew no longer carrying out public duties, the justification for such a substantial residence has become increasingly difficult to maintain."
Frogmore Cottage's Controversial History
The proposed new residence for Andrew carries its own controversial royal history. Frogmore Cottage was famously renovated at taxpayer expense for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before their departure from royal life, costing approximately £2.4 million.
Since the Sussexes relocated to California, the property has stood largely empty, representing what many critics have called a wasteful expenditure. Moving Andrew into the cottage would at least ensure the property is occupied, though the irony of the disgraced Duke taking up residence in Harry's former home hasn't been lost on royal commentators.
Andrew's Reluctance and Royal Tensions
Despite the King's clear intentions, Andrew is understood to be resisting the move. The Duke signed a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge in 2003 and has invested considerable personal funds into maintaining and improving the property.
This potential forced relocation underscores Andrew's diminished standing within the royal family following the settlement of his civil sexual assault case in 2022. While he continues to maintain his innocence, his public reputation has been severely damaged, and his brother Charles appears determined to reduce both his visibility and the financial burden he represents to the institution.
The ongoing situation highlights the challenging balancing act facing the monarchy as it attempts to modernise while managing complex family dynamics and public expectations regarding fiscal responsibility.
