It has been termed ‘the siege of Royal Lodge’. The King has long wanted to evict Prince Andrew from his 30-room Windsor mansion, but the disgraced Duke of York is said to be digging his heels in and refusing to budge, citing his long lease.
But now Charles has delivered the final blow. He has cut him off financially – marking a new low in their often troubled relationship. The King has severed his younger brother’s annual personal allowance – believed to be £1 million a year – and has stopped paying the seven-figure sum for the Duke of York’s private security (both of which were paid for out of the monarch’s personal funds).
Pay up or leave
The reason? If Andrew, 64, cannot afford the maintenance of the £30 million property (the lease stipulates that he must keep up a rolling programme of repairs), then he will have to leave.
So where then will the Grand Old Duke of York find the cash?
One of the more intriguing aspects of Royal Lodge is that it’s also home to his ex-wife Sarah.
The pair don’t share a bedroom – instead inhabiting different wings of the house – but they always enjoy afternoon tea and supper together when both are at home.
Known affectionately as Fergie by friends, she originally met Andrew at a Royal Ascot lunch party, leading to their marriage in July 1986.
After their two daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie were born, the couple officially parted ways in 1992 and divorced in 1996, but moved back in together in 2008.
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