NewsBite

King Charles ‘losing patience’ with Andrew

King Charles is reportedly growing tired of his brother, Prince Andrew, for refusing to leave his lavish royal home.

King Charles III receives 'very healing' hug from NZ rugby team

King Charles is “losing patience” with “his least favourite brother,” Prince Andrew, as the disgraced Duke of York refuses to leave his lavish digs.

The claim was made by British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard, who said the British monarch has long been fed up with his younger brother and wants to relocate him to a smaller home quickly.

“The siege of Royal Lodge, as it has become known, shows no sign of coming to a close and the Prince Andrew debacle rumbles on,” Chard told Fox News Digital.

“King Charles is losing patience with his least favourite brother, who is a thorn in the king’s side,” she claimed. “King Charles was hoping Prince Andrew would come to his senses and move out of Royal Lodge quietly. But it seems Prince Andrew is hanging on to his home for dear life.”

“Apart from family, [Andrew] has lost everything else,” Chard added.

King Charles is said to be “losing patience” with his least favourite brother. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty
King Charles is said to be “losing patience” with his least favourite brother. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty
Prince Andrew’s living arrangements are proving a headache for the king. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP
Prince Andrew’s living arrangements are proving a headache for the king. Picture: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP

Chard’s claims came shortly after sources told the U.K. Sunday Times that the king is “losing patience” over his brother’s living arrangements and is “at his wit’s end.” The monarch, 75, is adamant on solving “the Andrew problem.”

According to the outlet, the home is worth $38 million.

The Sun on Sunday recently reported that the king did not renew the contract for the 64-year-old’s private security team. It expires in in the coming months. According to multiple reports, no replacement security detail has been lined up.

The Sun reported that the king, who is battling cancer, has been paying for Andrew’s security at Royal Lodge after the prince lost his police protection in 2022. The security team is said to cost Charles nearly $4 million annually.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Fox News Digital they won’t comment on “security matters.” They didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment regarding the latest report.

Royal experts told Fox News Digital that the king wants Andrew to leave his palatial 31-room home where he resides with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. The property was home to their grandmother, the Queen Mother, until she died in 2002.

Charles knows that continuing to house his scandal-plagued brother is “not a good look.” Picture: Getty
Charles knows that continuing to house his scandal-plagued brother is “not a good look.” Picture: Getty

“King Charles realises that Prince Andrew living in Royal Lodge is not a good look,” Chard explained. “Prince Andrew’s reputation is at an lowest. He lost the respect of the nation. And yet, his ego is at an highest. He does not see sense. He has dug his heels and refuses to leave the home he loves, the prestigious Royal Lodge.”

“He is unable to pay the substantial costs associated with Royal Lodge,” Chard continued. “He is lucky that he was offered … [the smaller] Frogmore Cottage. Prince Andrew no longer receives money from the royal purse and is struggling financially.

“King Charles has been covering him financially. I feel now he has no alternative but to freeze this support, which in turn, will freeze Prince Andrew out of Royal Lodge.”

According to the U.K. Times, Andrew has lived in Royal Lodge since 2004 after he signed a 75-year lease agreement the year before. The property requires an estimated $503,000 annually for upkeep.

It was reported that the duke, who is “at the brink of eviction,” was expected to downsize after his ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

It’s been suggested Andrew “downsize” to Frogmore Cottage. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty
It’s been suggested Andrew “downsize” to Frogmore Cottage. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty

The outlet noted that the king would cover his brother’s living expenses if he moved into Frogmore Cottage, the former U.K. home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The king would also provide for Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

Frogmore Cottage remains empty more than a year after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were asked to vacate.

However, Andrew is reportedly “refusing” to downsize.

“King Charles is beyond frustrated,” royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital. “Prince Andrew is a prisoner of his own pride.”

“Prince Andrew is adamant on staying,” Fordwich claimed. “In his quest to be the ‘People’s King,’ Charles wants to be valued by taxpayers. His image of the monarchy and ‘cutting back costs’ extends to all non-working royals, including Prince Andrew.

“For the Brits, Prince Andrew is a national embarrassment. He is at the bottom of royal popularity ratings … There isn’t much public empathy for him … [He] doesn’t resonate with the cash-strapped public.”

According to the U.K. Times, Charles and Andrew’s ongoing feud has left their siblings “disappointed.” They noted that Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, are “unhappy” with the monarch’s handling of the situation, as well as Ferguson, 64, and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

“King Charles and Prince Andrew’s relationship is one described by friends as ‘guarded,’ mainly Machiavellian,” Fordwich claimed. “’Better to keep one’s friends close and one’s enemies closer.’”

This story originally appeared on Fox News and is republished here with permission.

Read related topics:Prince Andrew

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/king-charles-losing-patience-with-andrew/news-story/3e235cb12b0167876af2b37157bd6639