Prince Andrew clings to his royal lifestyle and his home at Royal Lodge despite his financial problems and the dilapidated state of his residence in Windsor. Following King Charles’ decision to cut his brother’s £1 million annual financial support, which included funds for Andrew’s security, Andrew now faces rising costs to maintain his estate. Royal author Robert Hardman reveals this change in his updated book, shedding light on the difficult circumstances surrounding the Duke of York.
Although “no longer a financial burden” to the king, Andrew’s financial situation remains bleak. The once grand 30-room Royal Lodge now shows signs of disrepair, with crumbling paint, cracks and black mold visible on the exterior walls. Despite the property’s deterioration, Andrew is reportedly determined to stay. According to sources cited by Sunday sunHe “stands firm” and refuses to leave the shelter, which has been his home for years.
“He insists he has the funds to pay for his own security, despite the whopping seven-figure sum it’s allegedly costing him,” a source shared. Andrew believes his financial independence from the monarchy justifies his decision to remain in residence. “He is no longer a financial burden on the king and sees no reason why he should move out of his home,” the source added.
The Duke of York, who lost his royal titles and endorsements due to his association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and a related sexual assault scandal, he now resides with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, at the Royal Lodge. The couple continue to share the house, where Andrew will now be responsible for covering all expenses, including security costs and the preservation of valuable works of art and furniture borrowed from the Royal Collection.
To ease Andrew’s burden, King Charles reportedly offered him the option of moving into Frogmore Cottage, the former Windsor home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, the duke remains firm in his refusal to move and prefers to maintain his current residence despite the growing challenges.
Prince Andrew’s determination to maintain his lifestyle has caught the public’s attention, especially as he faces significant financial pressure. Covering the costs of the huge Royal Lodge, including security and maintenance, is no easy task. Observers speculate that Andrew’s election could put further pressure on his already precarious financial state.
The Royal Lodge, once a symbol of Andrew’s high status within the royal family, is now a reminder of his fall from grace. Without the support of the monarchy, Andrew must now face his financial obligations on his own. Still, he seems determined to preserve his lifestyle, even if it means taking on the considerable costs associated with maintaining his estate.
As the former royal grapples with the reality of his situation, his commitment to remaining in his home suggests a desire to cling to a semblance of his past life. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to maintain this lifestyle or whether he will eventually be forced to make concessions. For now, Prince Andrew’s defiance of the financial crisis and his reluctance to downsize continue to captivate royal watchers, who are eager to see how this chapter of his life unfolds.