Prince Andrew is reportedly preparing for a major confrontation with King Charles over his continued stay at Royal Lodge, a lavish 31-room mansion in Windsor Great Park.
This disagreement could create a major rift within the royal family, with potential consequences for its public image and internal dynamics.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams recently highlighted the growing tensions between the Duke of York and the King, suggesting that Andrew’s insistence on remaining at Royal Lodge despite pressure to move could escalate into a full-blown crisis for the monarchy.
He said: “He is at loggerheads with the King over his tenure at the Royal Lodge and his supportive ex-wife never stays silent for long. This could potentially be explosive for the monarchy.”
Prince Andrew has lived at Royal Lodge since 2003, where he moved in under a 75-year lease with an annual rent of £260,000.
The residence, which he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, is worth over £30 million.
However, King Charles has reportedly urged Andrew to move to the more modest five-bedroom Frogmore Cottage in an effort to improve the royal family’s image amid ongoing scandals and financial scrutiny.
Andrew, who faced public backlash and a significant fall from grace due to his controversial association with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, resisted the idea of leaving the Royal Lodge.
Despite losing his royal duties and military titles following a disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew seems determined to maintain his current living situation.
The situation is further complicated by the financial aspects of Andrew’s lease.
If the lease were to be terminated, Andrew would be entitled to compensation for the considerable costs he incurred in renovating the property.
In addition, the terms of the lease allow Andrew to pass the property on to his children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, both of whom have married and started families.
Sarah Ferguson, who loudly supports Andrew, also complicates matters.
Ferguson is known for her outspoken manner and is seen as a potential catalyst in the ongoing conflict.
“She and Andrew sold their chalet in Verbier last year for £19 million,” said Fitzwilliams, “so they could perhaps afford a stay at the Royal Lodge.”
However, after Ferguson recently purchased a £4 million property in Belgravia, questions arose about the need to preserve Royal Lodge.
King Charles is reportedly concerned about the impression Andrew’s ownership of such a magnificent property creates amid the scandals, and is aware that Andrew’s actions could further damage the royal family’s reputation.
“King Charles is well aware that Andrew’s occupation of a mansion worth at least £30 million is damaging to the image of the Royal Family,” Fitzwilliams added.
There appears to be a consensus among the public on this issue: according to a recent poll, 88 percent of respondents want an end to Andrew’s connection with the city of York.
Even though another dramatisation of his infamous Newsnight interview is due to be broadcast next month, the Duke of York’s public image shows little sign of improvement.
Given the increasing tensions, the upcoming talks between King Charles and Prince Andrew at Balmoral are expected to be crucial in deciding the future of the Royal Lodge and the Duke’s role within the family.
However, Fitzwilliams is convinced that finding a solution will not be easy.
“King Charles will have much to discuss with his brother at Balmoral this summer, but resolving their differences will be extremely difficult,” he said.
