05 June 2024 , 14:08
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After years of causing King Charles an almighty headache, we ask if it's about time the monarch cut all ties with Prince Andrew?
The King has reportedly threatened to do just that if his disgraced brother refuses to leave the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor, after being previously asked to take up residence at Harry and Meghan's old house, Frogmore Cottage. The Sussexes lived there before moving to the US, and held onto it before being served with an eviction notice last year.
And now it's Andrew's turn to clear out his royal home - and Charles has reportedly warned him of serious consequences if he fails to do so. The Duke of York, 64, is understood to have a long lease on the Royal Lodge. But the King is ultimately responsible for all of the royal household's finances, and so could choose to restrict funds from him - meaning he could soon struggle to meet the extortionate annual upkeep costs of the Grade II-listed property. King Charles also currently funds Andrew’s security bill, which costs £3million a year.
Andrew's persistent refusal to take up the new property after previous requests is reported to have annoyed Charles. A royal source told the Times: "The King’s kindness is not without limit and there is a very good option for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, recently vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which also has the benefit of being within the Windsor Castle security cordon hence reducing the need for alternative round-the-clock security for Royal Lodge." The source added that Andrew is "taking longer than desirable" to "recognise the reality of the situation".
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But Andrew so far shows no sign of budging. One acquaintance of the Duke of York told the newspaper that he is likely to "dig in" if the stand-off continues, and that he had already enjoyed a "stay of execution" in light of Sarah Ferguson and the King's own recent illnesses.
The deadlock is the latest in a long line of problems surrounding Andrew, not least of which his association with financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Do you think it's about time Charles cut ties with Prince Andrew? Take our poll above