Prince Andrew has found himself isolated after feuding over the Royal Lodge and a string of scandals (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The ongoing feud between and King Charles over the Royal Lodge residence seems to be far from resolution. Reports have consistently suggested that King Charles is keen for his scandal-hit brother to vacate the expansive 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park in favour of the more modest Frogmore Cottage.
Commentators have speculated that Andrew’s hefty £1 million annual “living allowance” has been raising questions about how the Duke of York will manage the home’s maintenance costs. The Royal Lodge has become a retreat for reclusive Andrew, who stepped back from public life after struggling to justify his relationship with billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Since his retreat after the calamitous Newsnight interview five years ago, Andrew reportedly spends much of his time at the Windsor property, indulging in horse riding and golf. Despite his scaled-back lifestyle, it appears he still enjoys the backing of two pivotal members of the
and , described as “concerned” daughters by have been regularly visiting their father on weekends with their children in tow. The Duke has been spotted taking Beatrice’s three year old daughter Sienna for pony rides within the Windsor grounds.
Princess Beatrice and Eugenie have been visiting their father as ‘concerned’ daughters (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
An insider shared with the magazine: “The girls take the grandchildren to visit him most weekends. They are spending far more time with him now than they have done in recent years. They are quite close to their father; they seem to be quite protective towards him.”
The reports that a Royal expert has issued a stark warning that Charles faces a monumental decision about as the festive season nears: should he join the traditional Christmas church walk at Sandringham?
In the past two years, Andrew has been present on the public stroll to church alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, as well as his former wife, Sarah. The Times suggests that if Andrew is invited again this year, it would signify that he is not entirely ostracised by his elder brother.
Despite this, Royal commentator Stephen Bates pointed out: “Charles has a clear sense of the damage Andrew has done to the institution of monarchy.”
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice with Prince Andrew, Duke of York in 2013 (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
Since 2004, Andrew has resided at Royal Lodge within the Windsor Estate, which he shares with his ex-spouse Sarah Ferguson. Steeped in history, Royal Lodge traces its origins to the 17th Century but only became a Royal abode in the ’30s when it was bestowed upon George VI and the Queen Mother—then the Duke and Duchess of York—as their country hideaway.
Following the passing of the Queen Mother, was granted a lease to Royal Lodge. The lease encompassed not only the main house but also the Gardener’s Cottage, the Chapel Lodge, six Lodge Cottages, police security accommodation and an impressive 40 hectares of land.
He was obliged to cover the cost of any refurbishments himself, which were rumoured to be around £7.5million. In 2004, he relocated to Royal Lodge with his two daughters, and , and shortly after, his ex-wife Sarah joined them after signing a 75-year lease.
Frogmore Cottage, the residence reportedly being set aside for Andrew, was previously the UK home of Harry and Meghan. Last year, the couple had to relinquish the keys to the property at the King’s request as they had barely used the home since their dramatic departure to California.