Prince Andrew scrambling to find loophole as King Charles fires Duke of York's security team

Sources have claimed that King Charles, 75, will ensure no taxpayer money will be used to cover Andrew's security costs at Royal Lodge, including after his private security team leaves the property in October.

The insider added that Prince Andrew has opted for a "mobile security" team as he scrambles to find a loophole due to the escalating costs.

A mobile security team would ensure the duke's property is adequately protected.

The source told The Express: "The only reason the private security team has been discontinued is due to costs.

"There was a proposal put forward for when this contract comes to an end in October but it was too high.

"Discussions were had about using a mobile security team which still means the property will have round-the-clock protection, regular patrols and they will always be on call.

"A new security system will also be fitted inside the property.

"The costs are much lower and they will not be covered by the taxpayer.

"The Windsor estate also has a number of other royal residences and there is a constant police presence in the area.

"Although they are not officially assigned to Andrew, they will respond if there is a serious issue."

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Andrew has been refusing to leave the 30-bedroom property in Windsor, thought to be worth £30million, despite being offered the use of nearby Frogmore Cottage which underwent a £2.4 million renovation in 2019.

The duke is required to "repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild" the mansion, according to the 75-year lease agreement the Crown Estate granted to him in 2003.

The lease also specifies that the walls of the mansion must be repainted every five years "with two coats of paint".

Meanwhile, inside the house, the duke is forced to "paint with at least two coats of paint and to paper, polish, decorate and otherwise appropriately treat" every seven years, starting from 2010.