Inside Prince Andrew’s sad new life: ‘Watching TV in a dark room’

The disgraced Duke of York’s life has changed dramatically in just a few short years, according to a new report.

Grim new details about Prince Andrew’s post-royal life have surfaced, amid reports King Charles is escalating his attempts to convince him to downgrade from his palatial royal home.

Residing within the sprawling, 30-room Royal Lodge seems as though it would provide a lavish lifestyle – but according to The Sun, the disgraced Duke of York now mostly spends his days “watching TV in a darkened room”.

He has been out of work since 2020, when he was forced to step down from royal duties over his ties to convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

Prince Andrew has reportedly been refusing his brother’s offer to downgrade to another royal home. Picture: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images

Meanwhile, the real estate saga, first brought to light early last year, has been the cause of an ongoing headache for the King, 75, who is understood to be keen on his younger brother swapping from the $57 million property he’s resided in since 2004, and move into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s slightly smaller former home, Frogmore Cottage.

So far, reports suggest Andrew is refusing to budge, despite appearing unable to afford its $750,000 annual upkeep and repair costs – much to Charles’ frustration.

Recent photos, published by The Sun, showed that the Stucco-like exterior is now falling away and has mould growing on it.

He made a rare public appearance earlier this year at a thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine of the Hellenes at St George’s Chapel. Picture: Andrew Matthews/Pool/AFP

Earlier this week, the UK’s Times reported that the housing debacle has been dubbed by insiders as the “siege of Royal Lodge”.

Palace sources told the publication that the King – who is funding Andrew’s post-royal life – could “reconsider the levels of support he is willing to provide” if his younger brother continues to refuse his offers of new lodgings.

But according to royal author Christopher Anderson, the duke is standing firm.

“Andrew’s holding on by his fingertips right now, perhaps hoping that one of his wealthy friends might kick in some funds,” he told Fox News.

“But it’s highly doubtful that would work. King Charles III is becoming increasingly impatient and wants to simultaneously punish his brother, show everyone who’s boss and restore Royal Lodge to its former glory.”

The complex stand-off between the brothers is worsened by the fact that Andrew does in fact still hold the 75-year lease on the property – but Charles controls the purse strings.

“As things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke,” a source said.

“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 Inside Prince Andrew’s sad new life: ‘Watching TV in a dark room’