THE KING is reportedly stepping up pressure on Prince Andrew to exit the Royal Lodge following a decision not to renew the deal with the private security guards who provide protection at the residence.
King Charles has told the team of 10 guarding his brother their services are no longer required after their contract expires this autumn, The Sun on Sunday reported.
It has also been reported that no replacement detail is understood to have been lined up.
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the issue although the situation has been referred to by some as the “siege of Royal Lodge”.
Although Prince Andrew (below), 64, has the lease on the Royal Lodge, located outside Windsor, the King meets the security costs privately.
A palace insider told The Sun on Sunday: “Everyone is speculating this means the duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?
“They are all working the final weeks of their contract till the end of October. It is not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them. The King wants him out.”
It’s been reported that the preference is for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, where his security around the home would be covered as it is within the Windsor security perimeter.
Speaking in May, one source told The Times the former home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was being promoted as the best future home for Andrew.
The source commented: “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.”
Prince Andrew has previously faced criticism for his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
We previously told how thousands of people signed a petition calling for Prince Andrew to be stripped of his “Earl of Inverness” title.
The source also told The Times: “He is taking longer than desirable to recognise the reality of the situation, even though it is clearly the most sensible course of action.
“If he doesn’t agree to move to a property better suited to his needs, then the King may have to reconsider the levels of support he is willing to provide.”
Royal Lodge is not a grace and favour residence but is let under a commercial lease agreement through the Crown Estate, as Andrew paid an initial £1 million with a notional rent reported to be around £260,000 a year.
Should the duke die, the 75-year lease can only pass to named members of his immediate family.
