Prince Andrew is facing new pressure to vacate his Royal Lodge residence after the King decided to let go of the ten-person security team, as reported by The Sun. King Charles, 75, has informed the team that their services will no longer be required starting in the autumn.
The tension surrounding Andrew’s mansion at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park has escalated, with both him and the King currently staying at the Balmoral estate in Scotland. The King had been funding private guards at the 31-room Windsor property since Andrew’s armed police protection was removed in 2022 due to the US sex abuse case.
Speculation is rife that Andrew may have to leave the Royal Lodge as the security team’s contract is set to end in October, with no replacements in sight. Sources suggest that the King is keen on Andrew moving out, and it remains unclear what will happen to the security team once they depart.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Andrew had turned down the opportunity to move to Frogmore Cottage, preferring to stay at the Royal Lodge where he has lived for the past two decades. Despite ongoing tensions, Palace sources maintain that Andrew is still welcome at family events but will not resume public duties.
The fate of the Royal Lodge is uncertain, with no plans to assign any royals to the property. Prince William and Kate Middleton are not considering relocating their family to the Lodge, and two apartments at Kensington Palace are being refurbished without Andrew in mind.
As Andrew begins his summer break at Balmoral, the King’s removal van has been spotted at the castle, indicating Charles’ imminent move. The extended Royal Family is expected to gather at Birkhall in the coming weeks.
The private security firm guarding the Royal Lodge has not been named, and both the firm and Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the matter.