Prince Andrew ‘plans to stay in Royal Lodge’ despite King Charles ‘cutting him off’ financially
Prince Andrew ‘plans to stay in Royal Lodge’ despite King Charles ‘cutting him off’ financially
Prince Andrew is ‘determined’ to stay in the Royal Lodge despite being cut off financially by King Charles as he sees ‘no reason’ why he should leave his home, a source claimed
Prince Andrew is reportedly planning to continue living in the Royal Lodge despite being cut off financially by King Charles, who has stopped paying for his brother’s private security.
The Duke of York looked defiant on Saturday as he was seen driving near his home in Windsor Great Park. He is said to be “holding firm” as he sees “no reason” why he should move from his home, a source has claimed.
Royal Lodge, once home to the Queen Mother, is a 19th-century Grade II-listed property with a pool and 90 acres of land. Andrew, 64, signed a 75-year lease for the house back in 2003 and lives there with his ex-wife Fergie, but reports began to circulate last year that the monarch was keen for his brother to move out and move into Frogmore Cottage, which has been recently renovated.
REX/Shutterstock)
A source told The Sun on Sunday that Andrew insists he has funds to pay for his own security, which is estimated to be around £1million. The source claimed: “Prince Andrew is holding firm and is determined to stay in the Royal Lodge.
“He is insistent that he has the funds to pay for his own security, despite the eyewatering seven-figure sum it is reportedly costing him. He is no longer a financial burden on the King and sees no reason why he should have to move from his home.”
It comes after royal writer Robert Hardman claimed in the updated version of his book “Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story” – which is set to come out on November 7 – that Charles decided to cut off his brother financially after being urged to do so for months by his advisors. After months of infighting behind the scenes, the King ordered the Keeper of the Privy Purse to sever the disgraced Duke of York’s annual personal allowance, as well as his private security.
PA)
A source quoted in Mr Hardman’s book said: “The duke is no longer a financial burden on the King.” Earlier this year, it was reported that Charles had become annoyed at his brother’s persistent refusal to move out of the Royal Lodge and move into Frogmore Cottage instead.
In the summer, a royal source told The Times: “The King’s kindness is not without limit and there is a very good option for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, recently vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which also has the benefit of being within the Windsor Castle security cordon hence reducing the need for alternative round-the-clock security for Royal Lodge.”
Earlier today, we reported that a property expert said Andrew might want his daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, to inherit the Royal Lodge – but may face “limitations” in doing so, due to the lease conditions. Terry Fisher, of We Buy Any Home, shared why potential complications could occur and suggested any idea of inheritance may be difficult, Aberdeen Live reported.
REX/Shutterstock)
The expert said: “Andrew’s long lease, reportedly lasting 75 years, shows that he’s invested significantly in Royal Lodge, giving him strong occupancy rights. He might hope to pass the property on to his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, once he can no longer reside there.
“However, Royal leases often include restrictions around succession, especially for properties intended to serve working royals. Such leases aren’t always straightforward inheritance-wise; transferring the lease to non-working members of the family could likely require the Crown Estate’s approval, especially under King Charles, who might prioritise other uses for Royal properties.”
He added: “In other words, while Andrew has substantial rights under the lease, he may still face limitations in passing it on to family without special permissions.” The expert added that the upkeep and security costs of the lodge are likely to mount to thousands of pounds annually, which could strain Andrew’s finances and potentially make it difficult for him to remain at the lodge.
Top Stories
Don’t Miss
MORE ON
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.