King axes Andrew's security in move to get jobless Prince out of royal home

DISGRACED Prince Andrew has been dealt a fresh blow after the King axed funding for his 10-man personal security team.

- Giles Sheldrick

The decision to lay off his guards is seen as a further attempt to persuade the jobless Duke to finally leave his Royal Lodge mansion.

Andrew, 64, still lives at the 31-room Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, despite a long-running attempt to evict him and his armed police protection being withdrawn.

King Charles has been funding private guards at the sprawling estate, formerly the Queen Mother's home, but it is understood his detail will be stood down in the autumn.

Andrew shares Royal Lodge with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

The latest indignity comes after the King is believed to have decided there was no way back for his errant sibling.

After the late Queen's death in September 2022 there was thought to be a glimmer of hope the Duke might one day return to royal duties.

But a royal source said: "Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away? They are all working the final weeks of their contract till the end of October. It's not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them. It isn't a secret that the King wants him out."