Prince Andrew 'fears perception of publicly accepting guilt' in battle with King Charles

The Duke of York, who stepped down from royal duties in 2019 following his association with Jeffrey Epstein, continues to live in Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.

The revelation of the financial cut-off came from Robert Hardman's updated book "Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story," which confirmed "the duke is no longer a financial burden on the King".

The property, which sits outside Windsor Castle's security perimeter, has fallen into disrepair with significant mould issues.

According to Vickers, Andrew's refusal to leave may be rooted in deeper concerns about public perception.

Hugo Vickers said: "What I think he feels is that if he moves out of Royal Lodge it's somehow publicly accepting guilt for which he has not been proved," referring to the sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre that was settled out of court in 2022 and included no admission of guilt from the Duke of York.

The royal commentator suggested that "the ideal situation would of course be that Andrew would volunteer to downsize and move somewhere else".

However, the duke appears unwilling to make such a move, despite the significant financial implications of maintaining his current residence.

"Nobody wants him in a public way," Vickers continued to tell The Sun, highlighting Andrew's diminished role in public life.

Despite his reduced circumstances, Prince Andrew continues to maintain his lifestyle at Royal Lodge, where he has lived for two decades.

Vickers described the duke's current routine, saying he spends his time "living at Royal Lodge, playing golf, seeing his children and grandchildren and riding in the park and it is expensive".

The property reportedly requires substantial repairs, with Vickers suggesting Andrew is "just holding the fort and refusing to do the repairs".

The former helicopter pilot "probably can't afford" the necessary maintenance work, according to the royal commentator.

The situation appears to be at a standoff, with Andrew showing no signs of voluntarily downsizing despite the financial constraints.

Frogmore Cottage, formerly home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has been suggested as an "ideal" alternative residence for Andrew.

The property sits "within the security boundary" and would "make perfect sense" as a new home for the duke, according to Vickers.

While King Charles is likely not "being vindictive to his brother," Vickers warned that if Andrew "proves to be obstinate and refuses to go then I imagine things will get worse".

The expert noted that "there's nothing to stop the King actually commanding that he should leave Royal Lodge."