The Duke of York is set to remain in his lavish 30-room Windsor residence despite undergoing a significant reduction in his taxpayer-funded security detail, according to recent reports.
Prince Andrew will continue to call Royal Lodge his home while receiving a scaled-back protection package, a decision that's likely to reignite debates about royal expenditures and privileges.
The Windsor Residence
The expansive property, located in the heart of Windsor, has been the Duke's home since 2004. The 30-room mansion represents one of the most substantial royal residences outside of official palaces, featuring extensive grounds and luxury accommodations.
Sources indicate that while the Queen covered the £7.5 million refurbishment costs years ago, the ongoing maintenance and now the revised security arrangements continue to draw public scrutiny.
Security Scale-Back
Insiders reveal that the Metropolitan Police have implemented a revised protection plan for the Duke, significantly reducing the level of security previously afforded to him. This comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the royal and increasing pressure to reduce costs associated with minor royals.
The security downgrade follows Prince Andrew's removal from royal duties and the stripping of his military affiliations and royal patronages earlier this year.
Public Reaction and Royal Finances
This development is expected to fuel further debate about the appropriate level of public funding for members of the royal family who no longer undertake official duties. Critics argue that maintaining such extensive arrangements for a non-working royal represents poor value for taxpayers.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the royal family's traditional privileges and modern expectations of accountability and fiscal responsibility.
Royal commentators suggest this arrangement may represent a compromise solution, allowing the Duke to maintain his residence while reducing the overall burden on public funds through the security reduction.
