King Charles has reportedly made it clear that his financial support for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor must not be used to fund his legal battle against the police. But should the monarch go further and cut off his brother's allowance altogether?
The King currently uses his private funds to support his younger brother, who is also accommodated on the Sandringham Estate. However, royal sources have insisted that Charles is "absolutely not funding" Andrew's legal challenge against Thames Valley Police and the Central Criminal Court.
Andrew's legal challenge
Andrew is not a working royal, so Buckingham Palace no longer speaks on his behalf and is not involved in his legal battle. The former Duke of York is challenging the lawfulness of search warrants issued ahead of police raids on his Sandringham residence and former Windsor home, Royal Lodge, in February.
Speaking on the Daily Express's Royals Unscripted podcast, Royal Editor Emily Ferguson said sources had stressed that the King was not paying for the proceedings. She added that Charles had distanced himself from the case, reportedly warning Andrew: "You're not using my money."
Questions over royal support
The revelations have renewed questions about whether the monarch should continue financially supporting his brother, despite distancing himself from the legal proceedings.
Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations that he shared sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy. He was questioned under caution and subsequently released under investigation. He denies wrongdoing.
What do YOU think? Should King Charles stop funding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor altogether, or continue supporting him privately? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.
