King Charles is reportedly considering swiping “treasure” from Prince Andrew’s beloved house amid the fiery ongoing Royal Lodge feud, it has been reported.
The King, 76, is said to have been trying to evict his brother for some time, with the monarch wanting to move him – and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson – to a separate royal residence. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s former UK home, Frogmore Cottage, is reported to be a property up for consideration.
Following reports that the King cut his brother off financially and cut his security allowance, he is now reportedly keen on taking a different measure by removing “treasure” from the 30-room home.
As reported by the New York Post, Robert Hardman recently told the Palace Confidential podcast: “The Royal Collection, which owns quite a lot of the treasures inside there, may say, ‘Well, we can’t be confident that this place is safe anymore.”
Discussing items they would likely consider, he added: “They’ll start taking the paintings and some of the furniture away.”
The Daily Beast has recently reported that the King is keen on reserving Royal Lodge as a dowager home for his wife, Queen Camilla – but this would mean evicting Andrew and Sarah first.
Although the couple divorced back in 1996, they have remained close and Sarah previously moved into the home with Andrew.
Due to Andrew’s finances, Charles has questioned his ability to pay for necessary maintenance and refurbishments – particularly after cutting his £1 million allowance and his security funding.
As noted by Robert Hardman, Royal Lodge is typically reserved for working members of the family – which Andrew no longer is. The disgraced royal stepped down from duties back in 2019 following his disastrous Newsnight interview.
It recently emerged that Andrew is said to have come up with a cunning plan to try and remain at the property – he has figured out a way to fund his own security.
The Sun on Sunday has reported that Andrew has “negotiated a cheaper protection deal at his leased home which he refuses to leave. His plan is believed to be bankrolled by Middle East money.”
The source further told the publication: “He has his security but at a cheaper rate and he is managing to finance it himself.”
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are also reportedly on board in helping their father stay at Royal Lodge.
