The Duke of York will continue to live at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, despite the wishes of his brother King Charles.
Earlier this year insider sources claimed that the royals “fell out” after the monarch asked his brother to move out of the property in favour of the much smaller Frogmore Cottage just 15 minutes down the road.
But now, Prince Andrew is reportedly personally paying for the security at an estimated cost of one million pounds per year after being cut off financially by the King.
Speaking with The Mirror, a source claimed that the royal was “holding firm” and saw “no reason” why he should move from his home since he was no longer a financial burden to The Crown.
Earlier this year a royal source spoke of the tense situation between the brothers to The Times.
“The King’s kindness is not without limit and there is a very good option for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, recently vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which also has the benefit of being within the Windsor Castle security cordon hence reducing the need for alternative round-the-clock security for Royal Lodge.”
They added that Andrew was “taking longer than desirable” to “recognise the reality of the situation.”
Prince Andrew and the Duchess have lived at the Royal Lodge in separate wings since 2004 after signing a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate. They also share the property with their five Norfolk Terriers and the late Queen’s two corgis Sandy and Muick which the Duchess inherited.
In an appearance on Good Morning Britain in June 2024, the redhead was grilled over the conflict by journalist Martin Lewis for more information.
Bringing up the topic, Martin warned the 64-year-old that his next question for her would be a “bit of a damper” before asking “What’s going on with that?” in reference to her and Andrew being asked to move out.
Sarah responded tactfully in turn: “It’s not a Debbie Downer…I’m a guest, for a start. I’m a very lucky guest and a very comfortable guest.”
“I tend not to get involved in brothers’ discussions and I think that’s the safest place to be. Let the brothers discuss it between themselves.”
The sovereign had reportedly considered restricting funds from the privy purse to his brother for several months – including an annual £3 million security bill and the funds needed to maintain the Grade II-listed 98-acre property – if Andrew did not comply with the move on demand.
Ultimately in late 2024 the Keeper of the Privy Purse officially cut off the disgraced Duke of York’s annual personal allowance and funding for personal security.
Despite this development, the Prince is staying put and has reportedly “insisted” he can afford to maintain the property.
While the historic property has a history that dates back to the mid-17th century, it wasn’t until 1931 that it received its first royal residents in the form of King George VI and the Queen Mother, and then the Duke and Duchess of York as a weekend retreat decades later.
Prior to her passing in 2002, the Queen Mother also used the property as a “grace and favour home.”
