Tensions between King Charles and Prince Andrew have escalated as the Duke of York reportedly refuses to relinquish his daughters’ inheritance amid ongoing disputes over his residence at Royal Lodge. The latest chapter in the brothers’ strained relationship comes as sources claim that King Charles is cutting funding for Andrew’s private security detail, further deepening the rift.
Despite recent reports suggesting that Andrew might be forced to leave Royal Lodge, a sprawling estate in Windsor, friends of the Duke insist he has no intention of vacating the property. Andrew, 64, holds a 75-year lease on the residence, which he has called home for years.
A close friend of Prince Andrew expressed dismay over the situation, stating, “It’s very sad that Charles, who has a house for every day of the week, can’t just let Andrew have the quiet enjoyment of his own home.” The friend also suggested that King Charles has harbored jealousy towards his younger brother for years, and the current media briefings about Royal Lodge only add to that perception.
“Andrew knows he f***ed up,” the friend continued, alluding to the Duke’s past controversies. “He has taken his medicine, given up his military associations, his charities, his lobbying, but he is not going to give up his kids’ inheritance and move into Harry and Meghan’s old yoga studio.”
The ongoing dispute between the royal brothers appears to revolve not only around Royal Lodge but also the inheritance intended for Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Andrew is reportedly adamant about protecting this inheritance, despite the growing pressure from King Charles.
The third friend added, “He doesn’t have anything in his life except Royal Lodge. Why take that away?” They emphasized how much Andrew values the routine maintenance of the estate, describing him as someone who enjoys “beetling around the estate” and taking care of tasks like cleaning gutters and unblocking drains. The friend warned that taking Royal Lodge away from Andrew could be “counterproductive” and speculated that without it, he might resort to writing his memoirs.
Royal insiders have confirmed that the Duke of York’s ten-man private security team based at the Windsor property will be dismissed starting this autumn, signaling another move by King Charles to distance the monarchy from Andrew’s controversial past.
As the feud between the two brothers deepens, it remains unclear how the situation will resolve, but it’s evident that the battle over Royal Lodge and the associated inheritance has added a new layer of tension within the royal family.
