Royal Lodge security change raises questions about future arrangements
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In a move that has sent ripples through the royal household and beyond, King Charles has made a decision that could have implications for the security of the royal family and the standards expected within the monarchy.
The King has reportedly dismissed the private security team at Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge mansion, which has sparked widespread speculation and concern.
Prince Andrew, embroiled in controversy following his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, has been under new pressure to vacate his opulent Royal Lodge home.
According to reports from The Sun, King Charles informed the ten-man security detail that their contracts would not be renewed in October.
‘They are all working the final weeks of their contract till the end of October. It’s not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them,’ the source said.
‘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?’
This decision comes amidst rumours that Prince Andrew has resisted calls to downsize from the 31-room mansion.
The Royal Lodge, valued at an astonishing $56 million, has been Prince Andrew's residence since 2004 when he signed a 75-year lease.
However, since the Epstein scandal surfaced in 2019, there have been calls for Andrew to face eviction.
Furthermore, it has been reported that he needs to pay more attention to the $754,000 annual maintenance payments required for the property.
King Charles, who has financially supported his brother since Prince Andrew's Met Police protection was revoked, has contributed a hefty $7.6 million a year to keep him afloat.
This latest move by the King suggests tightening the purse strings and possibly pushing for Prince Andrew to leave the Royal Lodge.
The timing of the security team's dismissal is particularly noteworthy, as it follows reports that Prince Andrew has refused to move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage, which Prince Harry previously occupied before his departure in June 2023.
This has led to speculation that removing security could be a tactic to encourage the Duke of York to reconsider his living arrangements.
As the royal family gathers at Balmoral Castle for a family occasion, with Prince Andrew in attendance, it's clear that discussions about the future are on the horizon.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are absent from the guest list, further highlighting the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Andrew has been characterised as a ‘recluse,’ rarely leaving Royal Lodge since December.
‘Andrew has hardly left Royal Lodge since Christmas, so he’s very much looking forward to getting away with the rest of the family at Balmoral,’ a source shared.
‘The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion, which will see family members come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and unwind.’
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The King has reportedly dismissed the private security team at Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge mansion, which has sparked widespread speculation and concern.
Prince Andrew, embroiled in controversy following his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, has been under new pressure to vacate his opulent Royal Lodge home.
According to reports from The Sun, King Charles informed the ten-man security detail that their contracts would not be renewed in October.
King Charles dismissed the security guard at Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge, urging him to leave the property. Credit: Shutterstock
‘They are all working the final weeks of their contract till the end of October. It’s not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them,’ the source said.
‘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?’
This decision comes amidst rumours that Prince Andrew has resisted calls to downsize from the 31-room mansion.
The Royal Lodge, valued at an astonishing $56 million, has been Prince Andrew's residence since 2004 when he signed a 75-year lease.
However, since the Epstein scandal surfaced in 2019, there have been calls for Andrew to face eviction.
Furthermore, it has been reported that he needs to pay more attention to the $754,000 annual maintenance payments required for the property.
King Charles, who has financially supported his brother since Prince Andrew's Met Police protection was revoked, has contributed a hefty $7.6 million a year to keep him afloat.
This latest move by the King suggests tightening the purse strings and possibly pushing for Prince Andrew to leave the Royal Lodge.
The timing of the security team's dismissal is particularly noteworthy, as it follows reports that Prince Andrew has refused to move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage, which Prince Harry previously occupied before his departure in June 2023.
This has led to speculation that removing security could be a tactic to encourage the Duke of York to reconsider his living arrangements.
As the royal family gathers at Balmoral Castle for a family occasion, with Prince Andrew in attendance, it's clear that discussions about the future are on the horizon.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are absent from the guest list, further highlighting the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Andrew has been characterised as a ‘recluse,’ rarely leaving Royal Lodge since December.
‘Andrew has hardly left Royal Lodge since Christmas, so he’s very much looking forward to getting away with the rest of the family at Balmoral,’ a source shared.
‘The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion, which will see family members come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and unwind.’
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