Did Prince William really threaten to strip Beatrice and Eugenie’s titles? Kensington speaks out

The royal family is once again under the spotlight after explosive claims emerged about behind-the-scenes pressure involving Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's royal titles.

Broadcaster Emily Maitlis alleged that senior royals had applied pressure on the princesses over their father’s living arrangements.

Kensington Palace has hit back swiftly, denying the claims and calling them 'completely wrong.'

The controversy centres on Prince Andrew’s long-standing wish to remain at Royal Lodge, his 30-room Windsor mansion, which requires no renovations and would not increase taxpayer costs for security.

Discussions continue over how much rent Andrew and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson would be expected to pay.

Maitlis, known for Andrew’s infamous 2019 interview, claimed on a podcast that Prince William met with Beatrice and Eugenie to issue an ultimatum about their father’s residence.

She suggested William told them they needed to pressure Andrew to leave Royal Lodge 'otherwise we will start re-examining the state of your own titles.'

The broadcaster said the alleged conversation occurred before a planned visit by King Charles to Royal Lodge, which was ultimately cancelled and would have involved the monarch 'reading the riot act' to his brother.

Kensington Palace sources quickly denied the claims, insisting no such meeting or conversation ever took place and adding: 'This is not even a decision for him.'

Reports on Sunday suggested Andrew had agreed to move out of Royal Lodge, but with specific conditions—requesting Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and wanting Ferguson to live at nearby Adelaide Cottage once Prince William and his family relocate to Forest Lodge next month.

Andrew and Ferguson have lived together for the past 18 years despite divorcing in 1996, previously turning down the King’s offer of Frogmore Cottage before reconsidering.

This potential separation marks a dramatic shift for the couple who famously called themselves 'the world’s happiest divorced couple.'

Adding fuel to the controversy, it was revealed Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at Royal Lodge ahead of Beatrice’s 18th birthday masked-ball at Windsor Castle in 2006, two months after a US arrest warrant for Epstein’s sexual assault of a minor.

The BBC matched elements of a photograph of the trio to images of Royal Lodge, and a witness confirmed seeing Epstein and Weinstein at a drinks event in the back garden before the main party.

These revelations have intensified scrutiny of Andrew’s judgement and the royal family’s awareness of his associations.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, announced he would seek answers from the Crown Estate and the Treasury regarding Royal Lodge lease arrangements.

The scrutiny over Andrew’s residence has raised questions about potential lost revenue for the public, as Crown Estate profits go to the Treasury.

The monarchy’s reputation took a further hit when King Charles was heckled during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral, with a man questioning: 'How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?'

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said Andrew should 'take himself off to live in private' and stop relying on public funds, adding: 'He has disgraced himself, he has embarrassed the royal family time and again.'

Financial pressures on Andrew have intensified since King Charles cut his £1 million annual royal allowance last year, leaving him with a £20,000 naval pension.

Questions remain about how he funds Royal Lodge’s upkeep and his estimated £3 million-a-year security costs.

Reports indicate Andrew raised sufficient funds to live at Royal Lodge, with the Keeper of the Privy Purse confirming the money came from 'legitimate sources.'

Stripping Andrew of his royal titles officially would require an act of parliament, though he remains a prince as the son of the late queen, with his Royal Highness title inactive since 2019.

Andrew’s decision to give up the Duke of York title followed consultations with King Charles, the Prince of Wales, and other family members, who are reportedly satisfied with the outcome.

The unfolding saga is more than a property dispute—it tests the modern monarchy’s approach to scandal, accountability and public trust.

Family tensions, property disputes, and questions of loyalty aren’t new within the royal circle—and Prince Andrew’s saga is just the latest chapter in a long line of royal rifts making headlines.

Behind palace walls, emotions often run high when issues of privilege and reputation collide, revealing just how fragile royal unity can be.

Another story captures this same sense of turmoil, with insiders exposing a heated reaction to a shocking act of betrayal within the family.

Read more: Royal insider reveals furious reaction to shocking family betrayal

Should the royal family adopt greater transparency in handling property and financial arrangements to maintain public trust?