Prince Andrew, whose controversial tenancy of the sprawling 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park has come under fire again in recent days, is reportedly “determined to cling on”
Prince Andrew is “determined to cling on” at Royal Lodge, and just two things will convince him to vacate the property, it has been claimed. In recent days, the former Duke of York’s controversial tenancy of Royal Lodge has once again hit headlines amid public fury over the so-called “peppercorn” rent he reportedly enjoys at the sprawling 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park.
Andrew, who gave up his royal title due to continued pressure over his links to the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, is reportedly prepared to vacate Royal Lodge, but, reports the BBC, wishes to have other royal properties for himself and Sarah Ferguson (his ex-wife, who lives at his current residence with him).
Despite these developments, Andrew, who continues to “vigorously deny the accusations” against him, may have other plans, according to the Mail’s Richard Eden, who has recently shared the words of what he described as a “highly informed source”.
Unlike others who may “scuttle away” in light of such intense media scrutiny, Richard says this is not Andrew’s “style”.
Indeed, he’s reportedly becoming increasingly “determined to cling on” at Royal Lodge the more his standing continues to be impacted.
In words attributed to the source, they informed the journalist: “His only identity comes from his status” and suggested that, to the disgraced prince, his status is linked to his continued hold of the Berkshire mansion.
Richard continued by referring to the only two things that could allegedly prompt him to vacate the property, what he termed the “stick or the carrot”. The source added: “Money. You’ll need to pay him to go away…and pay him not to talk.”
It seems that the alternative is a much harsher approach, one that could impact the future of his and Sarah Ferguson’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
The source said: “Pressure on his children. He’s always been transparent about his ambitions for his daughters.”
They continued: “If you want to make sure your daughters are OK and are invited to Sandringham, and that they remain princesses, then you’d better [go] quietly.”
It follows reports that the journalist who conducted the car-crash Newsnight interview with Andrew in 2019 had revealed Prince William’s savage alleged two-word assessment of Andrew, who is King Charles’ younger brother and William’s uncle.
Speaking with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall on an episode of The News Agents podcast about the prince’s living situation, Emily Maitlis claimed that it would be “very different in the next King’s reign”.
Emily claimed: “Where I think it becomes interesting is William’s response to his uncle, right? I mean, I was told that he thinks his uncle is, quote, ‘beyond hideous’, so whatever Charles does or doesn’t do, I think the relationship will be very, very different in the next King’s reign.”
The Mirror has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.
