Kathrine Frich
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s long-delayed move from Royal Lodge is no longer being held up by logistics but by a growing list of conditions.
He is reportedly insisting on before accepting a replacement property on the Sandringham Estate.
According to royal insiders, the dispute has reopened tensions between the former duke and King Charles at a moment when relations were already strained.
Delayed departure
Andrew had been expected to leave Royal Lodge early in the new year, but insiders now say his relocation has been pushed back because of what they describe as a series of demands concerning the size, staffing and security of his next home in Norfolk.
Reports claim he is “reeling off demands and ultimatums,” leading to what one source has characterised as a renewed disagreement with the King.
The former prince, who was removed from his titles and honours due to his links with Jeffrey Epstein, is understood to be negotiating for a substantial residence within the Sandringham grounds.
Among the requests reportedly outlined to the King are a six- or seven-bedroom house supplied with staff including a cook, gardener, housekeeper, driver and police protection.
Inside the negotiations
A source speaking to the Daily Beast’s Royalist said Andrew believes he has cooperated fully with the palace’s expectations since losing his public role.
The insider claimed: “Andrew has done exactly what has been asked of him, and he just wants to be left alone. He is giving up the lease on one of England’s finest houses and expects to be treated fairly.”
A former courtier added that financial arrangements were always likely to be central to the dispute.
“Andrew is essentially being bought out of the lease, so he will haggle over every last detail of the deal,” the source said.
Andrew’s office has been contacted for comment.
Loss of remaining honours
The negotiations come shortly after King Charles formally removed Andrew’s final ceremonial distinctions.
Documents confirm that the King ordered his brother’s Order of the Garter and Royal Victorian Order honours to be “cancelled and annulled,” with his name “erased” from the official registers.
These honours, originally granted by Queen Elizabeth II, followed earlier removals of his HRH style, his princely status and his Duke of York title from the Roll of the Peerage, after what the palace referred to as “serious lapses of judgment.”
Andrew continues to deny all allegations made against him.
A move still in limbo
The stalled discussions suggest Andrew may remain at Royal Lodge for longer than planned, with some reports indicating he could spend one final Christmas there.
Palace insiders say it remains unclear how quickly the dispute can be resolved, or whether the demands now on the table will be approved.
For now, the timeline for Andrew’s departure, and the final shape of any agreement, remains uncertain.
Sources: Daily Beast, AP, Express.
