By Claire Duffin
King Charles is reportedly making his feelings known about Prince Andrew by removing the security team from his brother’s £30 million home. The Duke of York is facing pressure to move out of Royal Lodge in Windsor to save money, but he has refused to leave the lavish property. The security guards, funded by Charles, will no longer be needed from the autumn, sparking speculation that Andrew will be forced to relocate.
Former BBC royal reporter Michael Cole described the King’s decision to remove the security team as a “radical move” that will leave Andrew “very, very unhappy.” Charles has been trying to persuade Andrew to move to Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan, but legal obstacles make eviction difficult.
The King and Queen Camilla are set to host the extended Royal Family at the Balmoral estate in Scotland, where Andrew and his daughters may join them. The 64-year-old prince stepped back from royal duties in 2020 due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Charles has been funding Andrew’s security guards after armed police were withdrawn, but he is unwilling to pay indefinitely for his brother’s protection.
Royal circles question how Andrew can afford the upkeep of Royal Lodge without visible means of income. Charles believes his brother needs to downsize, as costly repairs are needed at the property. Andrew’s finances remain unclear, with reports of settlements and property sales. If Andrew moves out of Royal Lodge, the Royal Household will not assign any royals to the property but seek a new tenant instead. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.