Prince Andrew ‘demands summit with Charles’ as friends say he ‘has no plans’ to let the King push him out of his Royal Lodge home to let William and Kate move in as he is determined to ‘see out the 55-years left on his lease’, sources claim
Sources close to Prince Andrew claimed he has ‘no plans’ to vacate his home at Royal Lodge for Prince William and Kate and is determined to see out the rest of his 75-year lease.
It comes amid reports that King Charles told his royal brother to leave the 98-acre property – his home of more than 20 years.
But Andrew reportedly intends to honour the lease he signed in 2003 by refusing to move out of the £30million mansion, and has allegedly requested a face-to-face summit with his brother.
According to The Telegraph, a source close to the disgraced Duke, 63, last night rejected reports suggesting he ‘fears the royals may turn off the utilities to get him out’.
A friend told the Mail On Sunday that Andrew is feeling down and ‘refusing to budge’ from the property, which is believed to have been set aside for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.
Sources close to Prince Andrew (pictured) claimed he has ‘no plans’ to vacate his home at Royal Lodge for Prince William and Kate, and is determined to see out his 55-year lease
King Charles reportedly told his royal brother to leave the 98-acre property Royal Lodge (pictured) – his home of more than 20 years
A source close to the disgraced Duke, 63, last night rejected reports suggesting he ‘fears the royals may turn off the utilities to get him out’
‘He is so fragile,’ the friend told the Mail.
‘He’s refusing to see anybody. This has been his family home for the past 20 years. Is it really sensible to kick him out?’
They added: ‘He’s concerned that now the Coronation is over, the knives are out. He’s worried that the royals might even turn off the utilities to get him out of there. But we’re dealing with human beings, not real estate.’
But a source close to the Duke said he did not recognise the claims, adding: ‘He has a 75-year lease and has no plans to move house.’
Previously this year, King Charles made a cut to his brother’s annual allowance of £249,000 – making him unable to pay the running costs of the 30-room mansion.
Previously this year, King Charles made a cut to his brother’s annual allowance of £249,000 – making him unable to pay the running costs of the 30- room mansion
Frogmore Cottage, renovated to a high standard, became free after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, left to live in California
Andrew moved into the luxury home following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
It is understood that the Palace had initially said the Yorks must leave the property – which they lease – by September, but that the authorities now accept such a tight timetable is unrealistic.
Meanwhile, Frogmore Cottage, renovated to a high standard, became free after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, left to live in California.
Negotiations over Royal Lodge –which began under the reign of the late Queen – are continuing. Andrew is understood to be frustrated that talks are between officials instead of between brothers – and wants that to change.