King Charles has issued a stern ultimatum to his brother, Prince Andrew, demanding that he vacate the royal residence he has resided in for over two decades or face severe financial consequences.
The monarch, as revealed by sources close to him speaking to the Times of London, is adamant about halting the funding of Prince Andrew’s lavish lifestyle until he complies with the request.
Prince Andrew, also known as the Duke of York, withdrew from public duties in 2019 amid renewed scrutiny over his association with convicted s** offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Since 2003, he has made his home at Royal Lodge, situated in Windsor Great Park near Windsor Castle.
The ongoing dispute between the brothers has escalated, with King Charles pushing for Andrew to downsize from the expansive 30-room residency to a more modest abode, potentially Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Sources within the royal circle disclosed to the British newspaper that the King may need to reconsider the level of support extended to his younger brother if he does not comply with the relocation request.
The prospect of Andrew moving to Frogmore Cottage holds significant financial implications, particularly in reducing his security expenses, which reportedly constitute a substantial portion of his annual living costs.
Expressing concern over the escalating situation, a confidant of the King emphasized that failure to adhere to the King’s directive could result in Andrew shouldering the bulk of his security, accommodation, and lifestyle expenses independently, a feat deemed financially unfeasible in the long run given the exorbitant sums involved.
The Duke’s financial woes were further compounded by a reported $15 million settlement in 2022 with Virginia Dufry, who accused him of involvement in Epstein’s illicit activities.
Royal Lodge, a property steeped in history, was previously inhabited by the Queen Mother before Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, took up residence.
The couple invested significantly in refurbishments, amounting to millions, to enhance the estate.
As per the current arrangement, the lease of the property is slated to transfer to designated family members upon the Duke’s demise.
The tense standoff between the royal siblings has been dubbed the “siege of Royal Lodge” by insiders, underscoring the strained relations between them.
Despite the mounting pressure, Prince Andrew appears resolute in his stance, with acquaintances suggesting that he is unlikely to yield to the King’s demands anytime soon.
The potential repercussions of defying the ultimatum loom large, raising questions about the future dynamics within the royal family.
Efforts to obtain comments from representatives of King Charles and Prince Andrew were unavailing at the time of reporting.
Observers closely following the unfolding drama anticipate further developments at Royal Lodge as the impasse persists.
The predicament facing Prince Andrew underscores the complexities inherent in navigating familial and royal obligations, with no easy resolution in sight.