King Charles has threatened to cut ties with Prince Andrew if the disgraced Duke continues to refuse to leave the Royal Lodge for his new home at Frogmore Cottage, a friend of the King has claimed.
The Duke, who no longer has any official duties after being forced to resign over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, shares the 30-room, £30million mansion with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York.
The king has long been trying to get his brother – who has no apparent source of income – to leave the Windsor mansion, amid rumors that the king The Prince of Wales is keen to move into the property to reflect his role as heir to the throne.
While sources close to the king say he is willing to pay for his brother to live comfortably with his private money from the Duchy of Lancaster, the level of funding must be appropriate.
A friend of the king told it The times‘Unfortunately, if Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable time, the King may be forced to reassess the entire support package he is offering and the Duke would be required to fund the lion’s share of his security, housing and lifestyle costs. on his own – which, given the amounts involved, is highly unlikely in the long term.
‘Everyone is aware of his well-being and has his best interests at heart, but there are limits to patience and tolerance.’
Prince Andrew has refused to leave the Royal Lodge (pictured) after living in the mansion for almost two decades
The Duke of York has lived in the 30-room mansion since taking over the lease in 2003
Andrew reportedly refused to leave the property, leaving King Charles tired and frustrated
Frogmore Cottage (pictured), previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan, was suggested as a possible alternative, but the Duke does not want to move
King Charles has long been trying to get his brother Andrew to leave the Windsor mansion
Andrew refuses to leave Royal Lodge after living there for almost twenty years
Following the King’s continued attempts to expel Andrew from Royal Lodge, a friend of Charles said: ‘As things stand, life in Royal Lodge will become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the Duke.’
Last year, claims emerged that Andrew could not meet the £400,000-a-year maintenance of Royal Lodge, which is believed to be worth £30 million.
It was reported that the Duke was told he would have to leave the property.
He was granted a ‘stay of execution’, it was reported in October, after striking a deal with the king to carry out repair work on the 19th-century listed building.
But the state of the mansion’s exterior has now been revealed, with photos said to show it still needs some work, potentially sparking another row.
Andrew downsizing to live at Frogmore Cottage would make significant savings, with friends of the King saying he would continue to pay for mobile security but would not have to provide static security for the building.
Those with knowledge of Frogmore Cottage – where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex used to live – said it is in good condition thanks to the work Harry and Meghan carried out before their move to the US.
Recent photos have revealed the state of Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion, which has fallen into disrepair amid an ongoing feud between the Duke and Charles.
Andrew first moved into the large mansion in 2004 and now lives there with his ex-wife Sarah.
The beautiful royal estate is nestled among trees and woodlands in the heart of Windsor Part, just three miles south of Windsor Castle
King Charles has long been trying to get his brother to leave the Royal Lodge
Frogmore Cottage was previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan
He signed a 75-year lease, paying £250 a week and agreeing to maintain the huge property.
Part of the terms of this alleged deal with his older brother was that he would carry out repair work on the 19th century Grade II listed house, but these do not appear to have been carried out yet.
It was reported that Andrew, who was forced to give up his royal duties due to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, may receive a cut to his £249,000 royal allowance, making it difficult for the Duke to keep his promises.
He reportedly told his friends that such a drastic change in his finances would mean he would not be able to cover the costs of the estate.
Despite his possible money worries, sources close to the duke said in January: ‘Andrew isn’t going anywhere. He has a cast iron lease.”
The Mail revealed last year that the King had offered his younger brother a more modest property, but Andrew reportedly felt this was a ‘demotion’ too far.
The Royal Lodge is located in the heart of Windsor Park, three miles south of Windsor Castle and is part of the Crown Estate.