Despite his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew remains determined to stay in his extravagant Royal Lodge residence. His refusal to downsize and move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage has strained his relationship with King Charles and raised concerns among palace officials.
Despite his controversial past and the loss of his royal titles, Prince Andrew remains steadfast in his refusal to vacate his luxurious Royal Lodge home. The sprawling estate, worth an estimated $37 million, has become a source of tension between Andrew and his brother, King Charles, who has expressed a desire for his younger sibling to downsize.
Prince Andrew's Resistance to Royal Lodge Eviction Strains King Charles' Patience
According to royal author Christopher Andersen, Andrew's stubbornness is fueled by a sense of entitlement and a belief that the late Queen Elizabeth had promised him the property. However, with the queen gone, Andrew has lost his most powerful ally, leaving him vulnerable to the king's wishes.
Palace sources claim that Andrew's refusal to move is placing an unnecessary burden on King Charles, who has been battling cancer and seeking peace and healing. They argue that Royal Lodge's hefty upkeep costs and security requirements are more than Andrew can afford, making Frogmore Cottage a more suitable option.
Prince Andrew's Resistance to Royal Lodge Eviction Strains King Charles' Patience
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the former occupants of Frogmore Cottage, have vacated the property, leaving it empty and ready for Andrew's occupation. The couple repaid the renovation costs, leaving the Crown with a modernized asset that could comfortably accommodate Andrew.
Despite the king's desire to resolve the situation amicably, Andrew's resistance has tested their relationship. The prince has lost many of his royal patronages and honorary titles due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. He has also been stripped of his "freedom of the city" by the York city council.
Prince Andrew's Resistance to Royal Lodge Eviction Strains King Charles' Patience
Virginia Roberts Giuffre accused Andrew of sexual exploitation in 2020, a claim he vehemently denied. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed in 2022, but the scandal has left a lasting stain on Andrew's reputation.
As King Charles prioritizes his health, Andrew seems increasingly isolated within the royal family. The loss of his mother's protection and the growing strain in his relationship with Charles have left him with few allies.
Prince Andrew's Resistance to Royal Lodge Eviction Strains King Charles' Patience
The palace is reportedly concerned that Andrew's stubbornness could further damage the monarchy's reputation, particularly given the ongoing housing crisis in the United Kingdom. Experts believe that empty royal residences, especially during a time of austerity, send a poor message to the public.
In the end, Charles may have no choice but to take a firmer approach with his brother. If Andrew continues to refuse to move, the king could be forced to use his authority to evict him from Royal Lodge. Such a move would further strain their relationship and potentially cause a public spectacle that could tarnish the monarchy's image.
Prince Andrew's Resistance to Royal Lodge Eviction Strains King Charles' Patience
