The Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is facing fresh controversy as his planned move to a new home on the Sandringham Estate has reportedly been delayed by a series of 'astonishing' demands.
What Are the Alleged Demands?
According to a source speaking to the Express, the 65-year-old former prince has been 'reeling off demands and ultimatums' concerning his future accommodation. These are said to have prompted a fresh feud with his older brother, King Charles.
The insider claims the requirements for his new residence include:
- A substantial six or seven-bedroom house on the Sandringham Estate.
- A full complement of staff, including a cook, gardener, housekeeper, and driver.
- Continued police security protection.
Andrew is due to leave his current home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, in the near future. While it was expected he would move into a property belonging to the King on the Norfolk estate in the new year, this timeline is now in question.
A Clash of Expectations and a 'Buy-Out'
A representative for Andrew offered a different perspective to the Daily Beast, stating: 'Andrew has done exactly what has been asked of him, and he just wants to be left alone. He is giving up the lease on one of England’s finest houses and expects to be treated fairly.'
However, a former courtier suggested the situation was predictable, telling the publication: 'Andrew is essentially being bought out of the lease, so he will haggle over every last detail of the deal.' They added that it was 'always going to be about money'.
Background: Titles Stripped and Honours Erased
This housing dispute unfolds against the backdrop of Andrew's dramatic fall from royal grace. Earlier, King Charles made the decisive move to officially strip his brother of his remaining prestigious honours.
The King ordered that Andrew's titles in the Order of the Garter and the Royal Victorian Order be 'cancelled and annulled', with his name erased from the historic registers. These honours were originally bestowed by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in 2006 and 2011 respectively.
This action followed the earlier removal of Andrew's military affiliations and his patronages. Charles also revoked Andrew's birthright to be styled as a prince and use the HRH title, while his Duke of York title was removed from the Roll of the Peerage due to what the monarch termed 'serious lapses of judgment'.
Andrew has consistently denied all allegations made against him in relation to his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The office for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was contacted for comment regarding the reported demands.
