Prince Andrew will be forced to pay for the upkeep and security of Royal Lodge himself or consider living elsewhere because King Charles‘s financial support will stop, sources have claimed.
Charles has long been trying to get his younger brother out of the 30-room, £30milliion property in Windsor, which he lives in with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Andrew, the Duke of York, has insisted on staying in the mansion despite stepping down from official duties nearly five years ago.
The King has been funding private guards at the mansion since Andrew’s armed cops – costing £3million a year – were removed in 2022 amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
But now the pressure to move is growing as substantial subsidies from the King and the Royal Family are not going to be available indefinitely, the BBC reported.
If Andrew can privately fund the costs of the maintenance and security, then he can stay, but if not he will have to consider living elsewhere.
King Charles is said to be losing patience with his brother Prince Andrew over his continued refusal to leave Royal Lodge. Pictured: The pair in 2022
Andrew, 64, has insisted on staying in Royal Lodge (pictured) despite stepping down from official duties nearly five years ago
Meanwhile, sources have told the BBC that moving out to a smaller property such as Frogmore Cottage would be more due to finances than family disagreements.
Charles is said to be at the end of his tether and has made it clear there are now only ‘two possible options’ for Andrew, The Times reported.
The first is for the duke to find a way of being financially independent by paying for his own expenses, which would cover his security and the maintenance on his home.
The second, according to sources close to the King, is for Andrew to move into ‘more suitable accommodation’.
Charles has encouraged Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate, which is the former home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex before their move to California.
The cottage comes with being within the existing security cordon of the royal Windsor estate and was refurbished by Harry and Meghan.
The Duke may have been set an autumn deadline to leave Royal Lodge, it was reported last month.
The ultimatum reportedly came from the monarch, who has long been trying to get his disgraced younger brother out of the property.
Andrew has been reluctant to leave, having signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate when he moved in in 2003 on condition of making a £1million down payment and paying £260,000-a-year in rent.
Royal Lodge in Windsor is surrounded by stunning grounds and scenery
Andrew rejected the opportunity to move to nearby Frogmore Cottage (pictured)
Royal Lodge (pictured) was once known as King’s Lodge but its name was changed by the Duke of Cumberland when he became King George IV in 1820
Prince Andrew has been refusing to leave the mansion to the King’s frustration. Pictured: Prince Andrew Duke Of York rides out at Windsor Castle
There is also the added complication of much-needed repairs to the buildings on the property, some of which have fallen into disrepair and the bill for renovations already rising to £7million.
Charles’s overtures to get Andrew to leave appeared to have taken a twist after it was reported he told his brother’s security team their services will no longer be required.
Charles has been ‘letting his feelings’ towards Andrew be known by getting rid of the security team guarding his brother’s home, it was also claimed last month.
The ten-strong team of security guards, who were being funded by Charles, were told they will not be required from the autumn – prompting speculation the duke will be forced to move.
In June, it was claimed Charles ‘wants to rent out Windsor Royal Lodge for £1million a year’ but Andrew will have to move out of the mansion first.
The King is reportedly eager to generate commercial revenue from the stunning home – just as soon as he boots out the disgraced Duke of York who is refusing to pack up and leave, The Sun reported.
