King Charles is said to be keen for his younger brother Prince Andrew to move out of Royal Lodge and into the smaller Frogmore Cottage, which has now been left vacant by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The disgraced Duke of York was forced to step down as a working royal due to the fallout from his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the release of new papers relating to the case has thrust the issue back into the spotlight.
It was reported last year that the King wanted Andrew to leave his Windsor mansion in favour of the nearby Frogmore Cottage, after the Sussexes were evicted following the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare.
It has been said that Royal Lodge was earmarked for Prince William and Princess Kate, who are currently living in Adelaide Cottage with their young children.
According to a source the Waleses are in full support of Andrew being kicked out of his Windsor property in favour of Frogmore, even if he is digging his heels in.
A source told Express.co.uk: “It’s no secret that William and Kate have been trying to secure Royal Lodge for their family. They are in desperate need of a larger property to accommodate their household.
“The wheels finally seem to be in motion to remove Andrew from the property which William and Kate welcome and support wholeheartedly.”
Andrew was handed the keys to Frogmore last year, as its smaller size is in keeping with his “downgraded” royal status, however he has slammed the cottage as being not big enough for his needs.
A source said last year: “The Palace originally wanted Andrew out of Royal Lodge so that the property could be renovated and prepared for new lodgers. However, Andrew was having none of it and is adamant that he will see out the end of his lease at Royal Lodge.”
In 2003 Andrew signed a 75-year lease on the Windsor mansion, making him responsible for funding all the refurbishments and upkeep on the property.
However last spring the King slashed Andrew’s annual grant, raising questions as to whether he will still be able to afford to maintain his home.
The source added: “It won’t be easy but there’s no other way of removing Andrew from the fold without demoting him and cutting off his funding.
“It’s basically trying to force him out by ensuring that he is unable to meet the costs so that he defaults on the lease. Although the King adores his brother, he must put the monarchy first and do what’s best for the family.
“That means ensuring that Andrew never conducts another royal engagement and removing him from a rather significant royal residence on the Windsor estate.”
