Prince Andrew Faces Pressure to Leave Royal Residence as King Charles Cuts Off Security: Reports

The King has been privately funding his brother's security since Prince Andrew stepped back from public life in 2022

Prince Andrew’s bid to remain at his longtime home, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, has reportedly hit a snag — and it has to do with his older brother, King Charles.

The Sun on Sunday reported on Aug. 19 that the monarch, 75, did not renew the security team for Prince Andrew, 64, when their contract expires this fall.

The King has been paying for his younger brother’s security at Royal Lodge after Prince Andrew lost his police protection in 2022, according to The Sun. Queen Elizabeth stripped her second son of his military titles and patronages amid Virginia Guiffre’s civil sexual assault lawsuit, which has since been settled. Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

No replacement security detail is thought to be lined up to replace the current team, according to The Sun on Sunday and The Times, which reported that security is estimated to cost King Charles nearly $4 million annually.

The move comes amid reports that King Charles wants Prince Andrew to leave the 31-room residence in Windsor Great Park.

While the King funds security at the property, Prince Andrew holds a lease to the Royal Lodge, which was home to the Queen Mother until she died in 2002. Prince Andrew moved in the following year and spent over $9 million on repairs and renovations to the home, The Times reported. The Duke of York paid over $1 million to take over the property in 2003 and pays an annual rent of about $337,000, according to the same outlet.

The Times reports that per the current lease agreement, if Prince Andrew dies, the lease can only pass to named members of his immediate family, which includes his daughters Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34. The Duke of York currently resides in Royal Lodge alongside his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 64, whom he has been divorced from since 1996.

Related: Michael Sheen Transforms Into Prince Andrew for Amazon Prime's Upcoming Series 'A Very Royal Scandal'

The preference is for Prince Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, about three miles away from Royal Lodge, according to The Times. At Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before they relocated to the United States, security would be provided, as it falls within the secured grounds surrounding Windsor Castle, the outlet reported.

Of Prince Andrew’s reported reluctance to make the move, “He is taking longer than desirable to recognize the reality of the situation, even though it is clearly the most sensible course of action,” a source previously told The Times. “If he doesn’t agree to move to a property better suited to his needs, then the King may have to reconsider the levels of support he is willing to provide.”

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King Charles arrived at Balmoral Castle in Scotland for his annual summer retreat, where he was welcomed with a small ceremony on Aug. 19. The Times reports that Prince Andrew is due to join him there.

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