In a move that signals a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between King Charles III and his younger brother, Prince Andrew, the monarch has reportedly decided to terminate the private security team guarding Royal Lodge, the Duke of York's long-time residence. This development, set to take effect in October, is widely interpreted as a strategic maneuver to pressure the disgraced prince into vacating the sprawling 31-room Windsor property.
Sources close to Buckingham Palace reveal that the King has informed the ten-member security detail that their services will no longer be required come autumn. This decision marks a pivotal moment in what some royal insiders have dubbed the "siege of Royal Lodge," a protracted standoff between the two brothers over Andrew's continued occupancy of the grand estate.
A Palace insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Sun, "Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away? They are all working the final weeks of their contract till the end of October. It's not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them."
The security team in question has been privately funded by King Charles since 2022, when Andrew's £3 million-a-year armed police protection was withdrawn amid the fallout from his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent legal troubles in the United States.
This latest development comes as both Charles and Andrew are staying at the Balmoral estate in Scotland, adding a layer of personal drama to the royal family's traditional summer retreat. The timing of the security removal is particularly poignant, as it coincides with reports that Andrew is set to join other family members at Balmoral, including his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, their daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their grandchildren.
The Duke of York has resided at Royal Lodge for over two decades, having signed a 75-year lease on the property. His friends assert that this "cast iron" agreement gives him no reason to relinquish his home. However, the removal of security could make the residence untenable for the prince, who has become increasingly reclusive in recent years.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, offered insight into Andrew's current lifestyle, telling Fabulous Magazine, "He does see a lot of his grandchildren and enjoys spending time with them. I think because they know that he's kind of stuck at Royal Lodge, they will go out of their way to go and see him rather than him coming to see them."
The fate of Royal Lodge remains uncertain. Palace sources have indicated that the Royal Household would not move any other royals into the property but would instead seek a new tenant. Notably, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, have reportedly expressed no interest in relocating their family from Adelaide Cottage to Royal Lodge.
This security removal is seen as part of a broader strategy by King Charles to streamline the monarchy and address lingering controversies. A Palace source emphasized, "It isn't a secret that the King wants him out." The monarch has previously hinted at cutting the £4 million annual allowance that keeps the Duke financially afloat.
As the October deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Windsor to see how this royal residence drama unfolds. The removal of security not only poses practical challenges for Prince Andrew but also serves as a stark reminder of his diminished status within the royal family following his withdrawal from public duties.