Prince Andrew is reportedly in talks with King Charles’ representatives over his future at Royal Lodge.
Andrew, 65, has faced scandal for many years over his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew was also accused of sexual assault. Virginia Giuffre alleged she was made to have sex with the prince when she was 17 in the early 2000s, after being trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has always vehemently denied the accusations against him.
He’s also come under fire recently over the 30-room mansion he lives at in Windsor. According to reports this week, Andrew has only paid “peppercorn rent” – which means a small sum such as £1 – for two decades. Instead, he made significant lump-sum payments up front after the lease was signed in 2003.
There have been calls for Andrew to move out of Royal Lodge amid the scandal surrounding him. Last Friday, Andrew announced that he would stop using his Duke of York titles and gave up his remaining royal honours.
Prince Andrew and King Charles reps ‘in talks’ over Royal Lodge
According to The Telegraph, Prince Andrew is in “advanced talks” with the king’s representatives about leaving his Royal Lodge home.
The publication claims that discussions over Andrew’s living arrangements have been happening on a daily basis since the reports about his lease agreement emerged.
Apparently, Prince Andrew’s initial response was to dig his heels in. However, it’s now claimed there’s suggestion he could move out.
It’s unclear where Prince Andrew would move to if he did vacate Royal Lodge. However, The Telegraph reports that he wants to remain in London to be close to his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Andrew’s lease agreement over Windsor mansion
Prince Andrew signed a 75-year lease agreement on Royal Lodge in 2003. This means it will end in 2078.
He reportedly paid millions up front, including a £1million payment for the lease and more than £7.5m in refurbishment costs.
However, if he was to leave Royal Lodge, he’s reportedly entitled to a refund of some of the money he paid up front.
According to The Telegraph, if he leaves before next June, he could receive a refund of £557,596. However, it reduces by £185,865 each year until 2028.
By then, he’ll be owed nothing.
Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Andrew to stop using Duke of York title
It’s been a turbulent time for the royal family amid the allegations surrounding Prince Andrew.
On October 17, he announced his decision regarding his royal title.
I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first.
A statement from the prince via Buckingham Palace read: “In discussion with the king, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.
Read more: Prince Andrew dealt new blow as his coat of arms ‘removed’ from Windsor Castle
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.
“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
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