Royal Showdown as King Charles Pressures Prince Andrew to Leave Lavish Royal Lodge Amid Financial Strain
The rift within the British royal family appears to be widening as King Charles III and Prince Andrew clash over the latter’s continued residence at Royal Lodge. As Andrew faces the end of his annual £1 million allowance, questions arise about his ability to fund the upkeep of his grand Windsor estate, which includes 30 rooms, extensive grounds, and several adjoining properties. According to insiders, King Charles reportedly prefers Andrew relocate to the smaller Frogmore Cottage, a property previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan.
Photographs of Royal Lodge have recently surfaced, showing black mould, structural cracks, and peeling paint—conditions that may make continued residence a challenge. Despite this, Prince Andrew, who signed a 75-year lease on the estate in 2003, remains determined to stay, viewing it as his rightful home, told the Sky News. This lease, which dates back two decades, grants Andrew long-term access to the property, but with the stipulation that he fund any renovations himself, reportedly spending around £7.5 million on upgrades over the years.
In the updated edition of Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, royal expert Robert Hardman cites a source close to Andrew who explains how the Prince is managing his finances without the royal stipend. “He claims to have found other sources of income related to his contacts in international trade, sufficient to cover all his costs – which would be a welcome outcome for all parties if that turns out to be the case,” the source shared. However, the long-term reliability of these funds remains uncertain.
Since 2004, Andrew has resided at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who moved in shortly after the couple’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The estate, originally a mid-17th-century structure, gained its royal ties in the 1930s when it was gifted to George VI and the Queen Mother as a weekend retreat. Upon the Queen Mother’s passing, the Lodge was leased to Prince Andrew, complete with a Gardener’s Cottage, Chapel Lodge, six additional Lodge Cottages, and police security accommodations, covering a vast 40 hectares.
The escalating tension between the two brothers underscores the broader challenge facing the monarchy as King Charles attempts to streamline the royal estate. While the King pushes for a downsized, efficient monarchy, Andrew’s determination to retain Royal Lodge reflects his desire to maintain his established royal lifestyle—a position that may further strain family dynamics as both navigate their new roles in the post-Elizabethan era.