Prince Andrew given two options in King Charles' ultimatum over Royal Lodge

King Charles has reportedly laid out two clear options to Prince Andrew in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute regarding his residence at Royal Lodge, which has been dubbed the "siege of Royal Lodge".

It's reported that Charles is becoming increasingly vexed with Andrew's choice to remain ensconced at the expansive Windsor property. The King's preference is for Andrew to relocate to Frogmore Cottage, formerly occupied by Prince Harry.

Insiders present King Charles's view on the matter as "the Andrew problem" noting that there are "only two possible options" for its resolution.

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Option one requires Andrew to garner independence and foot all his bills, encompassing security and home maintenance costs. However, given that his naval pension appears to be his sole income, doubts linger over his financial ability to shoulder such expenses.

The alternative involves Andrew consenting to move into "more suitable accommodation". Charles has personally identified Frogmore Cottage within the Windsor estate as an appropriate abode for him, reports the Mirror.

Despite withdrawing from public duties almost five years ago, Andrew continues to reside at Royal Lodge. His police security detail was discontinued following a Home Office assessment, leaving him under the watch of a private security team, an arrangement costing around £3million annually, paid from King Charles's private finances.

Moreover, Charles supports Andrew through a substantial allowance, funded out of his own pocket. A source told the Times that the King's patience is wearing thin.

The informant revealed: "It is now two years into the King's reign and he wants the matter settled."

The King is reportedly "reconsidering" the amount of funding he provides to Andrew. The contract, which ensures a ten-person security team for the duke at Royal Lodge, is due to expire this autumn and is unlikely to be renewed.

No alternative team appears to have been arranged.

It's understood that measures have already been initiated to cut off Andrew's funding. This is not seen as a punitive measure, but rather a decision based on financial practicality and a means of ensuring the duke's long-term security as he ages.

A source has characterised the tension between Charles and Andrew as "the siege of Royal Lodge". A friend of the King stated that the duke was "taking longer than desirable to recognise the reality of the situation, even though it is clearly the most sensible course of action".

They further commented: "It can be done tidily or untidily. It can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him. It's all rather sad. But as things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke. The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride."

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Just last week, a downcast Andrew was seen horse riding near his Royal Lodge residence amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding his home. Adding to this, another drama is set to premiere this week on Amazon Prime, focusing on his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis, where he faced questions about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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