Prince Andrew Clings to Royal Lodge Amid Financial Cut-Off and Mounting Costs, Insider Book Reveals

Prince Andrew is holding onto his royal lifestyle and home at the Royal Lodge despite his financial troubles and the decaying state of his Windsor residence. Following King Charles’s decision to cut off his brother’s annual financial support of £1 million—which included funds for Andrew’s security—Andrew now faces mounting costs to maintain his estate. Royal author Robert Hardman reveals this shift in his updated book, shedding light on the troubled circumstances surrounding the Duke of York.

Though he’s “no longer a financial burden” on 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 deteriorating condition of the property, Andrew is reportedly resolute in his desire to stay. According to sources cited by The Sunday Sun, he is “holding firm” and refuses to leave the lodge, which has been his home for years.

“He is insistent that he has the funds to pay for his own security, despite the eyewatering seven-figure sum it is reportedly costing him,” an insider shared. Andrew believes that his financial independence from the monarchy justifies his decision to remain in his residence. “He is no longer a financial burden on the King and sees no reason why he should have to move from his home,” the source added.

The Duke of York, who lost his royal titles and patronages due to his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and a related sexual assault scandal, now resides with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, at the Royal Lodge. The pair continue to share the home, where Andrew will now be responsible for covering all expenses, including the security costs and the preservation of valuable art and furniture borrowed from the Royal Collection.

To ease Andrew’s burden, King Charles reportedly offered him the option of moving to Frogmore Cottage, the former Windsor home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. However, the Duke remains steadfast in his refusal to relocate, preferring to maintain his current residence despite the mounting challenges.

Prince Andrew’s determination to keep his lifestyle has drawn public attention, especially as he faces significant financial pressure. Covering the expenses of the vast Royal Lodge, including security and maintenance, is no small feat. Observers speculate that Andrew’s choice could place further strain on his already precarious financial state.

The Royal Lodge, once a symbol of Andrew’s high status within the royal family, now stands as a reminder of his fall from grace. With no support from the monarchy, Andrew must now navigate his financial obligations on his own. Still, he appears determined to preserve his lifestyle, even if it means bearing the considerable costs associated with maintaining his estate.

As the former royal grapples with the reality of his situation, his commitment to staying in his home suggests a desire to hold onto a semblance of his past life. Whether he will be able to sustain this lifestyle or will eventually be forced to make concessions remains to be seen. For now, Prince Andrew’s defiance in the face of financial turmoil and his reluctance to downsize continue to captivate royal watchers, who are keen to see how this chapter of his life unfolds.