If you know the ins and outs of King Charles‘ strained relationship with Prince Harry, then you know that a lot of it stems from Charles not granting Harry (and his family) the security they need. And, as it turns out, Charles isn’t afraid to play the same game with another family member too.
According to a new report from The Sun, Charles has officially axed his brother Prince Andrew‘s security at his home of over 20 years, the Royal Lodge.
Per the outlet, the decision might cost Andrew a pretty penny as his security team is as extensive as it is expensive – it includes a ten-person team and costs £3 million each year.
“Everyone is speculating this means the Duke will have to leave the Royal Lodge because what other reason could there be to take his security away?” a source told the outlet.
As a reminder, Charles has been wanting Andrew to downgrade his living situation for over a year now. At one point, for example, Charles reportedly wanted Andrew to move out of his 30-room residence, which he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and into Harry and Meghan Markle’s former home, Frogmore Cottage.
After some pushback from Andrew, however, it seems Charles reached his last straw. “They are all working the final weeks of their contract till the end of October,” the source said of Andrew’s security. “It’s not thought anyone is being lined up to replace them.”
“It isn’t a secret that the King wants him out,” they added.
In other words, while Andrew’s eviction was beyond apparent for a while now, it seems Charles’ latest move might be the straw that breaks the camels back.
Earlier this month, royal expert Christopher Andersen hinted to Fox News that money might be Andrew’s biggest concern when it comes to staying at the Royal Lodge.
“If and when Andrew does move, it will simply be because he doesn’t have the money to heat Royal Lodge or keep the lights on,” Andersen said. “In the meantime, Frogmore will likely remain empty. [And] it’s worth noting that the King had better luck evicting Andrew from Buckingham Palace, where the Duke of York has maintained his private apartment for decades.” Looks like the bill to keep the Royal Lodge just got a lot longer.
Click here to see a complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s feud with the royal family.
