Prince Andrew has allegedly demanded a face-to-face summit with King Charles after sources close to him claimed he has ‘no plans’ to vacate his home at Royal Lodge for Prince William and Kate.
It comes amid reports that the King told his younger brother to leave the 98-acre property – his home of more than 20 years.
But Andrew reportedly intends to honour the lease he signed in 2003 by refusing to move out of the £30million mansion, and is determined to see out the rest of his 75-year lease.
According to The Telegraph, a source close to the disgraced Duke, 63, last night rejected reports suggesting he ‘fears the royals may turn off the utilities to get him out’.
A friend told the Mail On Sunday that Andrew is feeling down and ‘refusing to budge’ from the property, which is believed to have been set aside for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.
Sources close to Prince Andrew (pictured) claimed he has ‘no plans’ to vacate his home at Royal Lodge for Prince William and Kate, and is determined to see out his 55-year lease
King Charles reportedly told his royal brother to leave the 98-acre property Royal Lodge (pictured) – his home of more than 20 years
Sources have suggested that the Royal Lodge is being saved for William and Kate
A source close to the disgraced Duke, 63, last night rejected reports suggesting he ‘fears the royals may turn off the utilities to get him out’
‘He is so fragile,’ the friend told the Mail. Reports have swirled that Andrew has been in low spirits and even reclusive.
‘He’s refusing to see anybody. This has been his family home for the past 20 years. Is it really sensible to kick him out?’
They added: ‘He’s concerned that now the Coronation is over, the knives are out. He’s worried that the royals might even turn off the utilities to get him out of there. But we’re dealing with human beings, not real estate.’
But a source close to the Duke said he did not recognise the claims, adding: ‘He has a 75-year lease and has no plans to move house.’
The King has let it be known that Andrew should leave the house, where he lives with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and downsize to Prince Harry’s empty former home, Frogmore Cottage.
Earlier this year, King Charles made a cut to his brother’s annual allowance of £249,000 – making him unable to pay the running costs of the 30-room mansion.
It is widely understood that Royal Lodge, once occupied by the Queen Mother, has been earmarked for Prince William and his family.
Andrew moved into the luxury home following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
He was granted the residence by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II and lives there with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Previously this year, King Charles made a cut to his brother’s annual allowance of £249,000 – making him unable to pay the running costs of the 30- room mansion
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Frogmore Cottage, renovated to a high standard, became free after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, left to live in California
Prince Andrew was allowed to wear his Garter robes to the King’s coronation, possibly reflecting a softening of Charles’ stance towards his brother
The Duke and Duchess of York’s daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are regular visitors to the lodge.
Another friend said: ‘Eugenie is heavily pregnant and her parents expect to have the new grandchild there this summer.
‘Don’t forget that Sarah has been the glue holding the family together through this nightmare.’
It is understood that the Palace had initially said the Yorks must leave the property – which they lease – by September, but that the authorities now accept such a tight timetable is unrealistic.
Meanwhile, Frogmore Cottage, renovated to a high standard, became free after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, left to live in California.
Negotiations over Royal Lodge –which began under the reign of the late Queen – are continuing.
William and Kate previously lived in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace
The Cambridges moved into Adelaide Cottage in Windsor last year, a four-bed four-bed cottage closer to their children’s new school in Ascot
Andrew is understood to be frustrated that talks are between officials instead of between brothers – and wants that to change.
The Duke of York stepped back from royal duties in 2019, following a controversial Newsnight interview.
It came amid furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, and Andrew was stripped of the title of His Royal Highness in January 2022.
Despite this, the disgraced Prince was allowed to wear his Garter robes to the King’s coronation earlier this month.
Some commentators suggested the move reflected an apparent softening of Charles’ stance towards him.
The Cambridges have lived in a number of royal residences since their marriage in 2011.
Last year they moved into Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, a four-bed four-bed cottage closer to their children’s new school in Ascot.
Before that, they lived in 20-room Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace from 2013.
