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

Mar. 15, 2025

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 Sundayreported 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 toThe Sun.Queen Elizabethstripped 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 toThe Sun on SundayandThe Times, which reported that security is estimated to cost King Charles nearly $4 million annually.Prince Andrew at Easter church service on March 31, 2024.JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/GettyThe 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 Timesreported. 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 Timesreports 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 daughtersPrincess Beatrice, 36, andPrincess 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.Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attend a thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024.CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe preference is for Prince Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, about three miles away from Royal Lodge, according toThe Times. At Frogmore Cottage, the former home ofPrince HarryandMeghan Marklebefore 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 toldThe 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.”Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!King Charlesarrived at Balmoral Castle in Scotlandfor his annual summer retreat, where he was welcomed with a small ceremony on Aug. 19.The Timesreports that Prince Andrew is due to join him there.

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 Sundayreported 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 toThe Sun.Queen Elizabethstripped 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 toThe Sun on SundayandThe Times, which reported that security is estimated to cost King Charles nearly $4 million annually.

Prince Andrew at Easter church service on March 31, 2024.JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty

JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty

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 Timesreported. 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 Timesreports 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 daughtersPrincess Beatrice, 36, andPrincess 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.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attend a thanksgiving service for King Constantine at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Feb. 27, 2024.CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The preference is for Prince Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, about three miles away from Royal Lodge, according toThe Times. At Frogmore Cottage, the former home ofPrince HarryandMeghan Marklebefore 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 toldThe 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.”

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

King Charlesarrived at Balmoral Castle in Scotlandfor his annual summer retreat, where he was welcomed with a small ceremony on Aug. 19.The Timesreports that Prince Andrew is due to join him there.

source: people.com