Prince Andrew Refuses to Vacate Royal Lodge Despite King Charles’s Request
Prince Andrew remains defiant in his decision to stay at the Royal Lodge, despite ongoing tensions with his elder brother, King Charles. The Duke of York, who currently resides in the 31-room luxury mansion, has reportedly refused the King’s request to move out and downsize. The standoff puts the 75-year-old monarch in a challenging position as he faces resistance from his younger brother.
Royal expert Richard Palmer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to discuss the ongoing dispute between the King and the Duke. Palmer wrote: “The King wants Andrew to pay his own property maintenance and security costs now he’s no longer a working royal.” He further explained that while the King wishes to impose these changes, his authority is limited. “But he has no power to evict Andrew and, as far as I’m aware, the Crown Estate hasn’t set any new deadlines. This seems untrue.”
The King wants Andrew to pay his own property maintenance and security costs now he’s no longer a working royal. But he has no power to evict Andrew and, as far as I’m aware, the Crown Estate hasn’t set any new deadlines. This seems untrue. https://t.co/tv9Opy4c4R
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) October 7, 2024
Prince Andrew’s current residence, valued at around £30 million, has become a focal point of contention. King Charles has proposed that his brother move into Frogmore Cottage, a smaller and more economical property that was previously the UK base for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The King’s plan is to reduce the financial burden associated with the upkeep of Royal Lodge, as the cost of maintenance and security is significant.
There are rumours circulating that the King has already cut back on financial support for Andrew, potentially leaving him struggling to cover the high expenses tied to maintaining the Royal Lodge. Despite these reports, the Duke remains adamant about staying put.
GB News commentator Svar Nanan-Sen weighed in on the complexity of the situation, stating: “The situation is complicated by the fact Prince Andrew has a 75-year lease agreement for the Royal Lodge, which he signed in 2003.” This lease agreement, which is held with the Crown Estate rather than directly with King Charles, limits the King’s power to force Andrew out.
Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the King’s dilemma: “That lease agreement is with the Crown Estate, not with King Charles, which leaves King Charles with a bit of a difficult situation because he can’t evict his brother because it’s the Crown Estate. It’s not him.”
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how the rift between the brothers will be resolved, but for now, Prince Andrew shows no signs of vacating the Royal Lodge.