Amid recent speculation about Prince Andrew possibly being evicted from his royal home, it appears the monarch is considering a new plan that involves acknowledging key members of the royal family, particularly Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward, for their increased responsibilities during this challenging time.
Intriguingly, several friends of the Yorks have suggested a theory as to why this eviction campaign might be underway. Could it be that King Charles envisions the Royal Lodge as a potential future home for Queen Camilla, should she outlive him? The tension between the siblings has reportedly been building for some time. Last Christmas, Andrew tried to arrange a meeting with the King and Queen but was kept at arm's length. An insider noted that Charles wants to reserve space for Camilla in a private area that is close to the family and offers a sense of safety and familiarity.
There are also whispers that the future King William might be subtly pushing King Charles to remove Andrew. William has long harbored resentment towards Andrew for his treatment of his wife, and this could be influencing the decision regarding the Royal Lodge. However, it’s unclear whether the Prince and Princess of Wales intend to move their family there or if it might go to other working royals like Prince Edward and Sophie.
Despite Charles’s desire for Andrew to vacate the property, it seems unlikely that King Charles, who along with his daughter-in-law Catherine Middleton is battling cancer, would want a protracted confrontation with his brother. This follows earlier reports suggesting that the King has attempted to resolve his “black sheep” issue by addressing both Prince Harry and the Duke of York in one royal command.
The King’s ultimate goal appears to be preparing the Royal Lodge for the royals who truly matter: William and Catherine. Charles is determined that the Royal Lodge is the only residence at Windsor that is both spacious and regal enough for his heirs.
It seems peculiar that the King is intensifying pressure on his brother when he should be focusing on another former working royal—his younger son, Prince Harry. Not to overlook that the King has already evicted his son, daughter-in-law Meghan, and their child from their UK home at Frogmore Cottage. Meanwhile, there are indications that the Prince and Princess of Wales may be moving into a new royal property, which is unlikely to be Frogmore Cottage, as William has reportedly made it clear that he will not invite Harry to his coronation.
Royal experts suggest that the Prince and Princess of Wales might move into the Royal Lodge rather than Frogmore Cottage. The root of William’s resentment towards Andrew is believed to stem from Andrew’s treatment of Catherine when she first joined the royal family and a perception that their father has been too lenient with his brother.
Additionally, King Charles is reportedly eager to have Prince Andrew swap his luxurious Royal Lodge for a more modest residence, causing some royal stir. The proposed move is creating tensions between the brothers, with Andrew not keen on downsizing. Andrew has been informed that the King will no longer fund his security team after October. Although a cheaper alternative is available, if the lease were terminated, Andrew would be entitled to compensation for the considerable amount he spent on refurbishing the property.
According to insiders, the disgraced royal currently has limited access to his brother, with ongoing disputes over Andrew’s alleged refusal to vacate the royal cottage. Charles, who dislikes confrontation, particularly when on holiday, likely only sees Andrew during meals at Balmoral.
