Prince William and Princess Kate are reportedly eager to evict Prince Andrew from Royal Lodge, according to a source cited by the Daily Express.
The couple has been eyeing the property for some time now, as their current residence, Adelaide Cottage, is too small to accommodate their growing family.
In recent weeks, Prince Andrew made a public appearance, walking to church on Christmas Day alongside King Charles and the rest of the Royal Family.
This marked a gradual return to the fold after the Duke faced allegations of s**ual assault outlined in New York court documents.
However, these revelations have only strengthened the King’s resolve that his brother should not be allowed to resume royal duties and must be forced out of Royal Lodge.
A well-placed source informed Express.co.uk that Prince William and Catherine fully support the King’s decision to remove Andrew from Royal Lodge.
They have long desired to secure the property for their own family, as they are in desperate need of a larger space to accommodate their household.
Efforts to evict Andrew from Royal Lodge were set in motion last year when he was offered Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
However, Andrew declined the offer, claiming that the cottage was too small for him.
The palace initially wanted him out of Royal Lodge to renovate and prepare it for new occupants, but Andrew staunchly refused to leave and insisted on seeing out the end of his lease.
Andrew was granted the lease of Royal Lodge in August 2003 for a term of 75 years, having paid a lump sum of £1 million to the Crown Estate.
Last year, it was revealed that he was provided for in Queen Elizabeth’s will, enabling him to finance essential repairs to comply with the lease terms.
However, the Duke’s future security operations and other expenses will now fall solely on his shoulders, potentially leading to mounting costs and a breach of the lease agreement.
The source emphasized that Andrew is determined to fight to keep his home, but the strategy to remove him revolves around making it financially impossible for him to stay.
By cutting off his funding and ensuring he cannot meet the costs, the hope is that he will default on the lease and be forced to leave.
This approach, though not easy, is seen as the only way to remove Andrew from the royal fold without demoting him.
While the King has a deep affection for his brother, he understands the importance of prioritizing the monarchy and the well-being of the family.
This means ensuring that Andrew never engages in another royal duty and removing him from a significant royal residence on the Windsor estate.
Last June, it was revealed that Prince William and Princess Kate had reluctantly accepted their situation in Adelaide Cottage due to Andrew’s refusal to vacate Royal Lodge, despite it initially being earmarked for their young family.
The couple loves their current cottage, but its limited space makes it impractical for their needs.
With only four bedrooms, it barely accommodates them all, let alone the staff and additional requirements of a working residence.
In conclusion, Prince William and Princess Kate are determined to remove Prince Andrew from Royal Lodge, as they have long desired the property for their expanding family.
The recent revelations surrounding Andrew’s alleged misconduct have only solidified the King’s stance on the matter.
While Andrew remains steadfast in his determination to hold onto his home, financial pressures may ultimately force him out.
The monarchy’s interests and the well-being of the family are paramount, and steps must be taken to ensure that Andrew no longer represents the royal institution.