Prince Andrew's defiance in the face of King Charles' order to vacate the Royal Lodge has triggered a bitter standoff between the two brothers. The Duke of York’s refusal to leave the historic 30-room residence, valued at $40 million, is being labeled “the siege of the Royal Lodge” by palace insiders.
The tension between the siblings has reached a boiling point, with King Charles viewing Andrew's refusal as a direct challenge to his authority. “Charles is fed up with his younger brother and the disgrace he’s brought on the family,” a royal insider told Globe magazine. “He sees no reason to continue rewarding Andrew with such a magnificent home.”
Andrew's association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, an American pedophile and sex trafficker, has severely tarnished his reputation and the monarchy. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Andrew reportedly paid Epstein’s former sex slave, Virginia Giuffre, an estimated $14 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that he raped her when she was 17. The scandal led to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, effectively removing him from royal duties and family business.
Currently, King Charles is dealing with his own health issues, including a battle with cancer, as well as concerns over his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton’s, health. This has delayed more forceful action against Andrew, who has been living at the Royal Lodge with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Andrew signed a 75-year lease for the Royal Lodge in 2003, committing to maintaining the property. He has invested millions in renovations and recently spent $25,000 painting the exterior. However, Charles funds the lodge's security, housekeepers, gardeners, and home improvements, costs which run into the millions. The king could soon cut off these funds, increasing pressure on Andrew to leave.
“If Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable time frame, the king may reassess the whole package of support he provides,” said an insider. This could force Andrew to cover his security, accommodation, and lifestyle costs independently—an unlikely prospect given the sums involved.
Charles wants Andrew to relocate to Frogmore Cottage, a 5,000-square-foot residence previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before their move to the U.S. However, sources close to Charles warn that if Andrew does not leave voluntarily, the king is prepared to cut off his allowance, escalating the conflict. “It can be done tidily or untidily,” a source remarked. “It can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him.”
Andrew has no intention of leaving quietly. “If it’s a case of who will blink first, then Andrew is going to dig in,” an insider revealed. “He ain’t going anywhere. He has had a stay of execution with Sarah and the king’s illnesses and he will be hoping Charles won’t want to be seen as vindictive by turfing him out.”
In the meantime, Andrew has reportedly become increasingly reclusive. “Andrew cuts an increasingly tragic figure,” another source noted. “With no discernible role, he spends his days watching television in a darkened room.”
The current standoff represents a significant challenge for King Charles as he navigates his new role while attempting to maintain family unity and the public image of the monarchy. The resolution of this dispute will not only impact the personal lives of the royal family but also shape public perception of the new king's reign.