Prince Andrew's delay in leaving Royal Lodge has created an unexpected benefit for King Charles. Sources close to the monarch view the holdup as "fortuitous" - it means Andrew won't move to Sandringham in time for the family's Christmas celebrations, where he is not invited.
The development comes as Andrew makes what insiders describe as "astonishing" demands for his new living arrangements. He is reportedly seeking a substantial six or seven bedroom house on the Sandringham Estate, complete with staff including a cook, gardener, housekeeper, driver and police security.
Kate Mansey wrote in The Times: «As Andrew drags his feet leaving Royal Lodge, it means he won't have moved into Sandringham in time for the family Christmas celebrations there. This is being seen by sources close to Charles as rather 'fortuitous', given that Andrew isn't invited to the festivities.»
Fresh feud over housing demands
The demands have triggered a "fresh feud" between Andrew and King Charles. An unnamed source told the Daily Beast's Royalist: «Andrew has done exactly what has been asked of him, and he just wants to be left alone. He is giving up the lease on one of England's finest houses and expects to be treated fairly.»
A former courtier suggested the situation was «always going to be about money». The source added: «Andrew is essentially being bought out of the lease, so he will haggle over every last detail of the deal.»
Palace insiders remain adamant that Andrew is expected to leave the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park by the first quarter of 2026. The minimum notice period for his departure is 12 months.
Final honors stripped
King Charles has officially revoked Andrew's remaining royal honors - the Order of the Garter and the Royal Victorian Order. The late Queen Elizabeth II had made Andrew a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 2006 and a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2011.
The King decided Andrew's titles should be "cancelled and annulled" and his name "erased" from the historic orders' registers. Charles had previously stripped Andrew of his prince title, HRH status, and Duke of York title due to "serious lapses of judgment" related to his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew lives at Royal Lodge with his former wife Sarah Ferguson. He has consistently denied all allegations against him.
State banquet context
The developments come as King Charles recently hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a state banquet at Windsor Castle. High-profile guests included model Claudia Schiffer, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and renowned German film composer Hans Zimmer.
King Charles told the banquet: «The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.» President Steinmeier responded by affirming Germany's stance «side by side in support of Ukraine».
Mansey noted in The Times: «When Andrew does finally move into Sandringham next year, Charles might be minded to follow the tradition of his predecessor, Queen Victoria, and host the royal Christmas festivities at Windsor instead.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
