King Charles gives Prince Andrew two choices in bid to end wrangle over Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew and King Charles
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


King Charles has reportedly given Prince Andrew an ultimatum regarding his residence at the expansive Royal Lodge in Windsor, with insiders dubbing it the "siege of Royal Lodge". The King's patience is wearing thin over Andrew's choice to remain at the property, and he's keen on relocating him to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry.

Court insiders have started calling this the "the Andrew problem", revealing that there are "only two possible options" for resolution. The first option would require Prince Andrew to become financially independent, covering his own living costs, including security and home maintenance. However, doubts linger about his ability to afford these expenses on just his naval pension.

Prince Andrew and King Charles
The two brothers are locked into a debate over Andrew's housing -Credit:Getty

Alternatively, Andrew could consent to move to "more suitable accommodation", with King Charles having already identified Frogmore Cottage as an ideal residence for him.

READ MORE:Meghan Markle's UK return date 'revealed' as she's set to fly over with Harry

READ MORE:James Corden's famous ex to appear in Gavin & Stacey for the final episode this Christmas

Despite stepping back from royal duties nearly five years ago, Andrew still resides at Royal Lodge. His police protection was withdrawn following a Home Office review, and now a private security team, costing around £3 million annually, safeguards him, funded by the King's personal fortune.

Additionally, Charles supports Andrew with a substantial allowance from his own pocket. A source speaking to The Times expressed the King's growing impatience: "It is now two years into the King's reign and he wants the matter settled."

Sign up to OK's royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free

King Charles with Princess Anne and Princess Edward and Andrew
The brothers are reportedly disagreeing over Prince Andrew's housing situation -Credit:Getty

King Charles is reportedly "reconsidering" the financial support he provides to Prince Andrew. The current contract, which includes a ten-person security detail for the Duke at Royal Lodge, is due to expire this autumn and is not expected to be renewed, with no new team apparently in the pipeline.

It's believed that moves are already being made to cut back on Andrew's funding. This isn't seen as a punitive measure but rather one of financial sensibility, aiming to ensure the Duke's security as he ages.

Insiders have referred to the tension between Charles and Andrew as "the siege of Royal Lodge". A confidant of the King mentioned that the Duke seems to be "taking longer than desirable to recognise the reality of the situation, even though it is clearly the most sensible course of action".

Royal Lodge residence
Royal Lodge is located on the Windsor Estate -Credit:Getty

They continued: "It can be done tidily or untidily. It can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him. It's all rather sad. But as things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke. The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride."

Adding to the drama, an Amazon Prime series is set to drop next week, focusing on his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, where he faced tough questions about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Watch A Very Royal Scandal on Thursday 19 September, Prime Video