A new royal rift has reportedly erupted between King Charles III and his brother, Prince Andrew, centred on the disgraced royal's future living situation and a list of significant demands.
Dispute Over a Royal Residence
The controversy stems from plans for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, to relocate to a property on the King's Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. This move, however, is said to have been delayed, sparking fresh tensions. Sources allege that Andrew, who relinquished his royal titles due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is now issuing a series of ultimatums regarding his accommodation.
According to reports, Andrew is insisting on being treated "fairly" and is demanding a specific property. The requirements are said to include a substantial six or seven-bedroom house on the estate, fully staffed with a cook, gardener, housekeeper, driver, and police security detail.
Andrew's Stance and the Financial Negotiation
An unnamed individual close to the situation told the Daily Beast's Royalist column: "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."
A former courtier framed the issue in stark terms, suggesting it was "always going to be about money" where Andrew is concerned. They added: "Andrew is essentially being bought out of the lease, so he will haggle over every last detail of the deal." The office for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was contacted for comment regarding these claims.
Background: A Prince Stripped of Privileges
This alleged feud follows King Charles's decisive action to further distance the monarchy from his brother. Earlier, the King officially stripped Andrew of his prestigious Order of the Garter and Royal Victorian Order honours. A formal announcement stated that Charles decided Andrew's titles should be "cancelled and annulled" and his name "erased" from the historic orders' registers.
Andrew was originally made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter in 2006 and a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2011 by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. These recent removals add to the penalties he has already faced, which include being stripped of his birthright to be a prince, his HRH style, and his Duke of York title, which was removed from the Roll of the Peerage by Charles due to his "serious lapses of judgment."
Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations made against him and maintained this stance even after the removal of his titles and honours.
