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, informed the security detail that their services will no longer be required starting in the autumn.
The tension over the Duke’s mansion has escalated, with both Andrew 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 cops were removed in 2022 due to the US sex abuse case.
Speculation is rife that Andrew may have to leave the Royal Lodge following the security team’s departure. The Palace insider revealed, “It isn’t a secret that the King wants him out.” It remains unclear what will happen to the security team once they leave.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Charles was increasing pressure on Andrew, warning him that his life at the Lodge would become “increasingly cold and uncomfortable.” The Duke, who has a 75-year lease on the property, has rejected the option to move to Frogmore Cottage and remains adamant about staying put.
Despite his reduced public duties, Andrew has been lobbying for the reinstatement of his taxpayer-funded security. He lost his Met Police security after being stripped of his royal roles by the late Queen in January 2022.
The fate of the Royal Lodge is uncertain, with the Royal Household reportedly looking for a new tenant rather than moving any royals into the property. William and Kate are not considering relocating their family to the Lodge from Adelaide Cottage.
Andrew is currently on his summer break at Balmoral, while Charles is preparing to move into the castle and host the extended Royal Family. The private security firm guarding Royal Lodge has not been named, and both the firm and Buckingham Palace declined to comment.