King Charles is growing increasingly frustrated with his younger brother, Prince Andrew, due to the Duke of York’s refusal to vacate his £38 million home, Royal Lodge. The tension between the two brothers has escalated as the king pushes for a swift resolution to what has been dubbed the "Andrew problem," with plans to relocate Andrew to a more modest residence. According to sources, King Charles has made it clear that Andrew must either cover his own expenses or move out of Royal Lodge.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, highlighted the ongoing standoff between the siblings, emphasizing the king's impatience with his brother’s reluctance to downsize. The situation surrounding Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge has become a point of contention, and King Charles is eager to resolve this issue quickly. Chard explained, “He wants Andrew to either take responsibility for his financial situation or move to accommodation that is more appropriate for a non-working royal.”
The dispute over Royal Lodge, a lavish estate in Windsor, has been brewing for several years. Prince Andrew, now 64, has resided at the property since stepping down from official duties nearly five years ago. For many in Britain, Andrew has become a national embarrassment. His reputation suffered a major blow following his ties to the convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, which eventually led to his withdrawal from royal responsibilities.
King Charles, who turned 75 this year, has long sought to streamline the monarchy and reduce unnecessary costs, particularly for non-working royals. His frustration with Andrew’s refusal to cooperate has intensified in recent months. “The king feels it’s time for Andrew to face the reality of his situation,” Chard noted.
Adding to the king’s concerns is the significant financial burden of maintaining Prince Andrew’s security. After a review by the Home Office, Andrew’s police protection was removed, and his current security is funded privately by the king, costing an estimated £3 million a year. This expense has become a point of contention, especially as Charles works to cut royal expenditures in a bid to modernize the monarchy.
“King Charles has been shouldering the cost of Andrew’s security from his personal wealth, which is unsustainable,” Chard explained. The king is firm in his position that Andrew must either move to a smaller residence where costs will be lower or find a way to pay for these expenses himself.
Reports suggest that Charles offered Andrew the opportunity to move to a more modest home, such as Frogmore Cottage, which was vacated by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, Andrew has resisted this proposal, insisting on staying at Royal Lodge, where he has lived for nearly two decades.
The ongoing dispute between the king and his brother is not just a private matter, but one that is playing out in the public eye. Prince Andrew’s continued residence at Royal Lodge, despite his withdrawal from royal duties and his tarnished reputation, has been a source of criticism for both the royal family and the British public. Many feel that Andrew’s refusal to leave the estate is emblematic of a sense of entitlement that is out of touch with the values of modern Britain.
For King Charles, who is working to redefine the monarchy’s role in contemporary society, the situation presents a significant challenge. “The king’s focus is on streamlining the monarchy and making it more efficient, and this situation with Andrew is at odds with those goals,” Chard remarked. The king is under pressure to resolve this issue in a way that aligns with his vision for the future of the royal family.
For now, it remains to be seen how the standoff between the two brothers will be resolved. However, given King Charles’s determination to address the matter, it is likely that changes will be made in the near future, whether through financial pressure or a more direct intervention. What is clear is that King Charles views this as a crucial step in his efforts to reshape the monarchy and manage the royal family’s public image in the years to come.
