King Charles ‘threatens to cut ties with Prince Andrew’ as brother refuses to leave luxury home

The Duke of York, 64, is understood to have a long lease on the Royal Lodge. But the King is ultimately responsible for all of the royal household’s finances, and so could choose to restrict funds from him – meaning he could soon struggle to meet the extortionate annual upkeep costs of the Grade II-listed property. King Charles also currently funds Andrew’s security bill, which costs £3million a year.

Andrew’s persistent refusal to take up the new property after previous requests is reported to have frustrated Charles. A royal source told the Times: “The King’s kindness is not without limit and there is a very good option for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, recently vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which also has the benefit of being within the Windsor Castle security cordon hence reducing the need for alternative round-the-clock security for Royal Lodge.” The source added that Andrew is “taking longer than desirable” to “recognise the reality of the situation”.