In a clash of royal wills, Prince Andrew has found himself at odds with his brother, King Charles, over the future of his longtime residence. Despite the monarch's suggestion that Andrew relocate to the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke of York is stubbornly refusing to give up his cherished abode at Royal Lodge.
A close friend of the King has revealed that Andrew has become "a prisoner of his own pride," unwilling to part with the sprawling 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire. The once-grand estate was previously the Windsor residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who called it home from 1952 until her passing in 2002.
Two decades later, the property officially became Andrew's, but his tenure has been marked by increasing isolation and personal turmoil. "As things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke," the King's friend lamented. "The only question now is when he will realize that he has become a prisoner of his own pride — and that handing back the keys will afford him far greater comfort, and the continued support of his family."
The situation has been further complicated by reports that King Charles has cut the £250,000 annual allowance that the late Queen Elizabeth had previously provided for Andrew's upkeep of the estate. The monarch has suggested that his brother should downsize to the more modest Frogmore Cottage, the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan.
However, Andrew, who no longer has official royal duties, seems unwilling to compromise. A source close to the royal family has said that the duke is "taking longer than desirable to recognize the reality of the situation." The insider warned that if he does not agree to a more suitable living arrangement, "the King may have to reconsider the levels of support he is willing to provide."
As the standoff continues, Andrew is said to be increasingly isolated, "spending his days watching television in a darkened room" within the walls of the grand but now-troubled Royal Lodge. The fate of this royal residence remains uncertain, as the brothers navigate the delicate balance of tradition, practicality, and the ever-evolving landscape of the British monarchy.
