Prince Andrew needs to be kicked out of Royal Lodge and ‘Queen should have done it’: Expert

A royal historian has weighed in on why Prince Andrew staying on at the Royal Lodge is a problem and what King Charles should do about it.

Prince Andrew needs to be kicked out of Royal Lodge and it’s a shame the late Queen didn’t sort out his situation before she died, a royal expert has claimed.

The disgraced Duke of York, 64, currently resides at the Windsor Great Park lodging in Berkshire, which boasts 30 rooms, a swimming pool and large grounds.

Prince Andrew has been refusing to vacate the property despite reports suggesting that King Charles wants him to move to Frogmore Cottage.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Prince Andrew, Duke of York travel down The Mall in a horse drawn carriage during the annual Trooping the Colour Parade in 2017. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, historian and biographer Hugo Vickers has now suggested Andrew “needs to live somewhere smaller”.

During an exclusive conversation Vickers was asked what he thinks the King should do with Prince Andrew and Royal Lodge.

The royal historian replied: “It seems to me at some point he does need to move somewhere more practical.

“I’m sorry the Queen died before she sorted him out which she could have done.

“She could have bought him a house somewhere where he would be safe and out of the way and this sort of issue would not be coming up.”

(L-R) Queen Mother, Charles, and Andrew at Royal Lodge, Windsor in 1975. Picture: Supplied

Vickers continued: “Royal Lodge is huge and very expensive to run and if he isn’t getting the grants that he was before it means the King will have to support him.

“He’s not going to come back, he’s not going to do any more royal duties so at some stage he may leave the property.

“But it would be better if he did it voluntarily, I would suggest.”

Vickers said, “All Andrew does now is ride in the park and play a bit of golf, he’s 64 so he’s almost at retirement age for normal people.

“So probably with time he needs to accept it and live somewhere smaller.”

Prince Andrew lost his public funding when he stood down as a working royal over sex abuse allegations, of which he firmly denies.

He also stands to lose Royal Lodge which he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Sarah Ferguson leave after attending the Easter Matins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Picture: Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images

CHARLES’S PLANS TO RENT OUT ROYAL LODGE

King Charles wants to rent out Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge home for $A2 million a year when the disgraced younger brother is finally evicted.

The monarch is keen to generate commercial revenue from the mansion when he ousts the Duke of York who is refusing to budge, The Sun reports.

Prince Andrew has rejected other homes offered and is relying on his “cast-iron lease” but sources believe he will be forced out.

He lives on the estate, which is said to be dilapidated and in dire need of repairs, with former wife Sarah Ferguson.

Prince Andrew is refusing to leave Royal Lodge in an ongoing property saga. Picture: Getty Images

An insider told The Sun: “It makes sense for Royal Lodge to be handed back to Crown Estates, which can pay for the much-needed repairs and renovations.

“It could then be rented to earn money for them, the King’s coffers and the country rather than being a drain on everyone’s resources.”

Royal Lodge, pictured in its glory days, is now in disrepair.

Nestled in the Windsor Great Park, Royal Lodge boasts 30 rooms, a swimming pool and large grounds.

However, while the home looks impressive on the surface, it is said to be in need of extensive repairs.

Prince Andrew was offered Frogmore Cottage, which underwent a Meghan Markle-led renovation, but refused. Picture: Getty Images

The shamed Duke is believed to have poured $A14.1 million of his own money into the massive upkeep of the estate, but sources say he cannot continue to meet the bill.

Prince Andrew lost his public funding when he was forced to quit life as a working royal over his links with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and sex abuse allegations.

It was previously revealed by The Sun that Prince Andrew had rejected the chance to move into Frogmore Cottage after royal outcasts Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were served with eviction.

A friend told The Times: “It can be done tidily or untidily. It can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him. It’s all rather sad.

“But as things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the Duke.

“The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride – and that handing back the keys will afford him far greater comfort, and the continued support of his family.”

Originally published as Prince Andrew needs to be kicked out of Royal Lodge and ‘Queen should have done it’: Expert