In a surprising turn of events, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, appears to have secured his continued residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, despite King Charles III's recent decision to cut off private funding for the duke's security detail. This development comes as the latest chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding Prince Andrew's living arrangements and financial support from the Royal Family.
According to well-placed sources who spoke to Express.co.uk, Prince Andrew has found a compromise solution that will allow him to maintain adequate security at the Royal Lodge without relying on taxpayer funds or the previously allocated private security team. The move comes as King Charles takes steps to streamline royal expenses and restructure the monarchy's financial commitments.
A source close to the matter revealed, "The only reason the private security team has been discontinued is due to costs. There was a proposal put forward for when this contract comes to an end in October, but it was too high." The insider went on to explain the new arrangement: "Discussions were had about using a mobile security team which still means the property will have round-the-clock protection, regular patrols and they will always be on call."
This mobile security solution represents a significant cost reduction compared to the previous 10-strong security detail that was privately funded. The source emphasized that the new security measures "will not be covered by the taxpayer," addressing concerns about public expenditure on the duke's security.
The 30-bedroom Royal Lodge, estimated to be worth £30 million, has been at the center of speculation for months. Despite being offered the use of nearby Frogmore Cottage, which underwent a £2.4 million renovation in 2019, Prince Andrew has steadfastly refused to leave his current residence. The duke's determination to remain at Royal Lodge is complicated by the terms of his 75-year lease agreement with the Crown Estate, granted in 2003.
This lease requires Prince Andrew to "repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild" the mansion. Specific stipulations include repainting the walls every five years "with two coats of paint" and, for the interior, to "paint with at least two coats of paint and to paper, polish, decorate and otherwise appropriately treat" every seven years, starting from 2010.
The financial burden of these maintenance requirements, coupled with the loss of private security funding, had led to speculation that Prince Andrew might be forced to vacate the property. However, the new security arrangement appears to have provided a lifeline for the duke's continued residence at Royal Lodge.
In a related development, Express.co.uk exclusively reported that Prince Andrew has been offered the use of Craigowan, the late Queen's favorite cottage on the Balmoral estate, for the summer. This offer comes as a welcome respite for the prince, who, according to sources, "has hardly left Royal Lodge since Christmas."
The duke's virtual seclusion at Royal Lodge has been a source of concern for his family. An insider shared, "He's turned into a bit of a recluse, so the girls [Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie] are hoping that some nice family time will help cheer him up a bit and bring him out of his shell."
As the situation continues to evolve, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of Prince Andrew's living arrangements and his place within the royal family structure. The compromise on security arrangements may have bought time, but it remains to be seen how King Charles's broader plans for a streamlined monarchy will impact the Duke of York's future.
Buckingham Palace has not yet commented on these latest developments, maintaining its typical discretion on matters relating to internal royal affairs.