Prince Andrew’s spy controversy signals ‘end of his time at Royal Lodge
Prince Andrew has been advised to vacate the Royal Lodge and relocate to Frogmore Cottage amid mounting pressure and uncertainty surrounding his future at the 30-room estate in Windsor. The Duke of York’s position at the Royal Lodge has reportedly become “untenable” following revelations of his connections to a Chinese spy, which also led to his absence from the annual Royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths, speaking on GB News, suggested that Andrew should view the move as an opportunity rather than a demotion, describing Frogmore Cottage as an appealing alternative.
“The siege of Royal Lodge has been something we’ve talked about all year,” Griffiths said. “Every time Charles has made a move to cut Andrew off, he has found a way around it. Charles has been outfoxed by his brother.”
However, Griffiths emphasized that Andrew’s continued residence at Royal Lodge is no longer sustainable. “His position there is now ‘untenable,’” she stated. “He has got to move to Frogmore Cottage. By the way, who wouldn’t want to move there? It sounds wonderful.”
Griffiths encouraged the Duke to embrace the change. “I’d say to him to embrace Frogmore Cottage. I mean, I certainly would,” she added.
The Royal Lodge, a sprawling estate Andrew has called home for decades, has been at the center of discussions about his future in the wake of various controversies. While Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is a smaller and less prestigious residence, it remains a desirable property within the royal portfolio.
King Charles III has reportedly been pushing for the relocation as part of a broader effort to streamline royal finances and address the controversies surrounding his brother. The revelations of Andrew’s ties to a Chinese spy have only added to the pressure, casting further doubt on his standing within the royal family.
As the Duke weighs his options, royal insiders and commentators appear united in urging him to accept the move to Frogmore Cottage as a practical and positive step forward. Whether Andrew will comply remains to be seen, but the debate underscores the challenges the royal family continues to face in navigating its public image and internal dynamics.