Prince Andrew has been dealt a devastating parliamentary blow in what royal commentators are calling one of the most humiliating public rebukes ever delivered to a senior royal.
MPs Demand Royal Lodge Eviction
In an extraordinary intervention, the Commons Public Accounts Committee has issued a formal demand that the Duke of York relinquish his hold on the luxurious 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. The stunning parliamentary report declares the King should not fund his brother's residence, throwing the future of Andrew's home into serious doubt.
Security Costs Under Scrutiny
The committee's investigation revealed staggering figures that have raised eyebrows across Westminster. While Prince Andrew receives no public funding for the property's upkeep, taxpayers are footing an enormous bill for his security detail - estimated to run into millions annually despite his withdrawal from public duties.
The report states bluntly: "The King should offer the Royal Lodge to another member of the Royal Family willing to use it as an official residence and take on the associated costs."
Royal Financial Squeeze Intensifies
This parliamentary broadside comes amid growing pressure on royal finances and properties. The Royal Lodge itself requires substantial maintenance, with estimates suggesting repairs could cost up to £2 million. The Duke signed a 75-year lease on the property in 2003 and reportedly invested £7.5 million in renovations.
Buckingham Palace's Dilemma
Insiders suggest the King faces an impossible balancing act between family loyalty and public expectation. While Charles has reportedly urged his brother to downsize to Frogmore Cottage, Andrew has so far resisted all attempts to dislodge him from his Windsor mansion.
The parliamentary committee didn't mince words, emphasising that "the Royal Household needs to get a better grip on the maintenance of the estate." This public dressing-down represents perhaps the most significant challenge to Andrew's position since the settlement of his US civil case.
What Happens Next?
Royal experts suggest this unprecedented parliamentary intervention could force the King's hand. With public opinion firmly against the Duke and now formal parliamentary pressure, Andrew's tenancy at Royal Lodge appears increasingly untenable. The Windsor estate, once a private royal sanctuary, has become the centre stage for a very public battle over the monarchy's future and finances.
