Prince Andrew deeply regrets not resolving Royal Lodge dispute on time: 'favourite'

Prince Andrew wishes he had addressed the Royal Lodge dispute earlier, reportedly say friends.

The Duke of York has been embroiled in a prolonged dispute with his brother, King Charles, over his residence at Royal Lodge. Despite King Charles's requests for over a year for Andrew to vacate the £30 million mansion in Windsor, the Duke is reportedly steadfast in refusing to move. 

And as the saga drags on, friends have said that Andrew wishes he had sorted out a home while Queen Elizabeth was still alive, claims royal expert Richard Kay.

It is widely known that Andrew enjoyed more leniency from the late Queen, who was a favourite of his, compared to what he might expect under King Charles's reign.

“Andrew is not by nature introspective but one regret, say friends – and it's an issue which goes to the heart of his predicament – is that he failed to secure a property in his own name (where he would have been untouchable) while the Queen was alive,” said Mr Kay in the Mail.

Andrew is reported to have informed King Charles that he plans to remain in the £30 million mansion for the full 55 years of the lease he signed two decades ago, despite suggestions to relocate to the nearby Frogmore Cottage, which is currently vacant after being the home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Andrew has resided in the 31-room property on the 98-acre Windsor estate for over 20 years under a 75-year lease, living there with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Friends of Andrew assert that he feels no obligation to vacate the residence due to his long-term lease.

In an effort to expedite Andrew's departure, King Charles has reportedly taken the step of removing Andrew’s private security team. The King is said to have decided to terminate the ten-man security detail, which has been funded by Charles since Andrew’s official police protection was withdrawn in 2022. 

The contract for the security team is expected to end in the autumn, after which Andrew may be compelled to leave the property.

A Palace insider weighed in on the issue saying that “it isn’t a secret that the King wants him out” after reports that the Duke of York has become a “bit of a recluse”.

The insider told The Sun: “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’s not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them.”