Within the British monarchy, King Charles III’s decisions regarding his brother, Prince Andrew, have generated significant media attention.
New reports suggest that the monarch’s patience is reaching a breaking point, and that he has already begun to take steps to distance the Duke of York from the royal realm.
Prince Andrew’s history has been marked by controversy, especially after scandals involving his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted pedophile.
These circumstances have led to the loss of royal privileges and increasing isolation within the family.
Prince Andrew, who once enjoyed a prominent position in the monarchy, was stripped of numerous honors and patronages by Queen Elizabeth II amid allegations against him. In this context, it becomes clear that the situation is untenable.
What happened to Prince Andrew’s security?
According to recent reports in The Sun, King Charles III has decided not to renew the contracts of the security team guarding Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge, his residence on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
These changes are taking place in a context where tension continues to rise, and expectations about the Duke’s departure from the Royal Lodge are increasingly palpable.
The Royal Lodge, which sits on a property valued at approximately $38 million, has been Andrew’s home since 2004, when he signed a 75-year lease.
However, the prince has faced criticism for failing to meet his financial obligations, including annual maintenance of the residence estimated at around $503,000.
The lack of financial resources has been a decisive factor that has led King Charles to reevaluate the financial support he provides to his brother, which amounts to $5.1 million a year.
Every action by King Charles appears to be motivated by the need to re-establish a positive image of the monarchy, especially after the tumultuous events of recent years.
Sources close to the palace have indicated that the king is determined to remove the Duke of York from public life and made it clear that “It isn’t a secret that the king wants him out,” the insider told the Sun.
The decision to sack his security team is, according to several experts, an indication that King Charles is preparing for a transition that could culminate in Prince Andrew’s removal from his residence.
The duke’s reluctance to leave the Royal Lodge faces inevitable pressure from the royal family.
There is talk that he has turned down smaller options, such as Frogmore Cottage, the property previously occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, reflecting not only his reluctance to compromise on his lifestyle but also an attitude of seclusion.
In fact, he has been described as a “recluse,” as he has spent much of his time in isolation, barely leaving his residence since December 2022.