Prince Andrew has been advised to vacate the Royal Lodge and move to Frogmore Cottage amid growing pressure and uncertainty over their future at the 30-bedroom Windsor estate. The Duke of York’s position at Royal Lodge has reportedly become “untenable” following revelations of his connections with a Chinese spywhich also caused his absence from the annual royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths, speaking on GB News, He suggested that Andrew should view the move as an opportunity rather than a demotion, and described Frogmore Cottage as an attractive alternative.
“The siege of Royal Lodge has been something we’ve talked about all year,” Griffiths said. “Every time Charles has made a move to isolate Andrew, he has found a way around it. “Charles has been outwitted by his brother.”
However, Griffiths stressed that Andrew’s continued residence at Royal Lodge is no longer sustainable. “Their position there is now ‘unsustainable,’” he said. “He has to move to Frogmore Cottage. By the way, who wouldn’t want to move there? “It sounds wonderful.”
Griffiths encouraged the duke to accept the change. “I would tell him to accept Frogmore Cottage. I mean, I certainly would.” he added.
The Royal Lodge, a sprawling estate that Andrew has called home for decades, has been at the center of discussions over its future following several controversies. While Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, is a smaller and less prestigious residence, it remains a desirable property within the royal portfolio.
King Charles III has reportedly been pushing for a relocation as part of a broader effort to streamline royal finances and address controversies surrounding his brother. Revelations of Andrew’s links to a Chinese spy have only increased the pressure, casting further doubt on his position within the royal family.
As the duke weighs his options, royal insiders and commentators appear united in urging him to accept the move to Frogmore Cottage as a practical and positive step forward. Whether Andrew will deliver remains to be seen, but the debate underlines the challenges the royal family continues to face in managing its public image and internal dynamics.