Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, finds himself under increasing pressure to vacate his longtime residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor as King Charles III has withdrawn his private security detail.
The move is seen as a significant step in escalating the King’s efforts to push his brother out of the mansion he has called home for over 20 years.
The Duke was spotted recently in Windsor Great Park, riding a horse alongside a companion, shortly after returning from the royal family’s annual break at Balmoral.
His somber demeanor during the outing, dressed in a burgundy jumper and unsmiling, reflects the growing tension surrounding his uncertain future at Royal Lodge.
Later, Andrew was seen driving his Range Rover back to the residence, further fueling speculation about his next steps.
Reports have emerged that Prince Andrew may be forced to vacate the 31-room Royal Lodge by October following the termination of his private security detail.
King Charles had been privately funding the 10-man security team for the Duke since his armed police protection was removed in 2022, after Andrew was stripped of his royal duties and patronages due to his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Now, the King’s decision to end the security arrangement appears to be a calculated effort to increase pressure on the Duke to leave the residence.
According to a Palace insider quoted by The Sun, “It isn’t a secret that the King wants him out.”
The same source noted that the security team’s contract ends this autumn, and no plans have been made to replace them, further suggesting that Andrew’s time at Royal Lodge is nearing its end.
Despite the mounting pressure, Prince Andrew has reportedly informed the King of his intention to “see out” the remaining 55 years on the lease he signed for the £30 million mansion.
The Duke has resided at Royal Lodge since the early 2000s, after securing the long-term lease.
The sprawling property, set on 98 acres, has been the Duke’s home for two decades, and he currently shares the residence with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, with whom he remains on amicable terms despite their divorce.
Friends of the Duke insist that the terms of his lease provide him no reason to relinquish the residence.
However, King Charles’ decision to cut off security support seems aimed at pushing Andrew toward moving out, potentially to the nearby Frogmore Cottage, which was recently vacated by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
With no royal duties to fulfill after being stripped of his honorary titles in 2022, Prince Andrew, now 64, has been largely absent from public life.
He remains embroiled in controversy and faces limited options for reclaiming any meaningful royal role.
Instead, he has been spending his time on personal hobbies, including his well-known love for horse riding and playing golf.
One of Andrew’s more unusual pastimes has recently come to light. According to royal correspondent Richard Kay, the Duke has developed an obsession with tracking live air traffic on a projector screen, using an app popular among aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters.
The one-time helicopter pilot, who was commended for his bravery during the Falklands War, now finds solace in watching planes take off and land at airports around the world.
While some may view this as a peculiar hobby, it underscores the Duke’s current reclusive lifestyle.
In addition to the pressure to leave Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew faces significant financial burdens related to the upkeep of the 19th-century, Grade II-listed house.
Maintaining the expansive estate comes at a high cost, and Andrew has reportedly been forced to cover several major repairs.
Recent reports suggest that the Duke faced a £200,000 bill for roof repairs, adding to the already considerable financial strain.
Since stepping back from his royal duties, Andrew’s sources of income have become limited.
The Duke has reportedly been relying on the goodwill of family members, including his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and now potentially his brother, King Charles, to help maintain his lifestyle.
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However, as his financial situation tightens, the pressure to downsize his living arrangements and leave Royal Lodge grows ever more acute.
A potential alternative residence for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is Frogmore Cottage, which is located nearby and was previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before they relocated to the United States.
The cottage is smaller than Royal Lodge but still offers ample privacy and space for the Duke and Duchess of York.
However, Andrew has reportedly resisted the idea of moving to Frogmore, preferring to remain at Royal Lodge.
The thought of downsizing from the expansive estate may be unappealing to the Duke, but with security being withdrawn and the King’s position clear, it appears Andrew may have little choice but to consider other housing options within the royal estate.
The ongoing tension between Prince Andrew and King Charles III highlights the complex dynamics within the royal family as it continues to evolve under the new reign.
King Charles has made it clear that he intends to streamline the monarchy and reduce the number of working royals. As a result, Andrew’s position within the royal household has become increasingly precarious.
As October approaches and the security team at Royal Lodge departs, all eyes will be on Prince Andrew to see whether he will resist the mounting pressure or finally concede to a move.For now, the Duke remains in residence, but his future at the estate remains uncertain.
