Mystery surrounds Prince Andrew’s financial situation, with uncertainty over whether he has disclosed his new income sources to King Charles.
Royal commentator Gareth Russell suggested the situation has created tension within the Royal Family in an exclusive interview with GB News.
Russell said: “There’s a great deal of mystery; whether he’s told the King or not.”
He added: “Certainly, the King has made it very clear what he wanted to happen.
Mystery looms over Prince Andrew’s finances as King Charles grows ‘frustrated’
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“Whether he has asked for more details about how Andrew has been able to keep Royal Lodge from a financial perspective, I think we’ll find out soon enough.
“But at the minute, I think it’s very clear to all of us that the King is quite frustrated with the way this has played out.”
In November, the Duke of York secured his residency at Royal Lodge after finding the necessary funds to maintain the property, despite earlier pressure from the King to relocate.
King Charles had previously attempted to persuade his brother to downsize to Frogmore Cottage, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former Windsor residence, in a bid to reduce costs.
Prince Andrew has acquired the funds to stay in Royal Lodge but has not confirmed where the money is coming fromGettyWhile Prince Andrew has managed to secure the funds needed to support himself at the 30-room Windsor Great Park residence, the exact sources of this money remain unconfirmed.
The duke has held the lease agreement for Royal Lodge since 2003, following the death of his grandmother the year prior, with the contract not due to expire until 2078.
Sources indicate that a “siege” began in November when the King ceased paying for his brother’s security.
Prince Andrew’s financial arrangements have drawn scrutiny, with his income sources spread across various assets and transactions.
Tengbo has been described as a ‘close confidant’ of Prince Andrew’s
GB News
The duke receives a Royal Navy pension, though he is no longer subsidised with public money.
A significant source of past income came from the sale of his Sunninghill Park home in Ascot, which sold for £15million in 2007.
More recently, he and Sarah Ferguson sold their ski chalet in Verbier, Switzerland, in 2022.
Prince Andrew’s continued residence at Royal Lodge comes with significant financial obligations under his lease agreement.
Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew continue to cohabitate at Royal LodgePA
The terms require him to follow a “planned maintenance guide” which includes responsibilities to “repair, renew, uphold, clean” and maintain the property.
The duke has already invested substantially in the property, having previously spent £7.5million on renovations. The scale of Royal Lodge is considerable, featuring 30 rooms and 21 secluded areas.
The property requires ongoing upkeep and maintenance, with the duke responsible for rebuilding where necessary under the terms of the lease he signed in 2006.
These maintenance requirements form part of the significant financial commitment needed to retain residence at the prestigious Windsor property.