Another major focus has been Prince Andrew’s living arrangements. Despite stepping down from official duties nearly five years ago, the Duke of York remains at Royal Lodge, a large estate in Windsor.

King Charles has long made his expectations clear: he wishes Andrew to leave Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-room estate in Windsor, for more modest accommodations.

Without a steady income, aside from a modest naval pension, Andrew is unlikely to afford the considerable costs tied to staying at the Lodge on his own. The King has suggested Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as an alternative residence for Andrew.

Situated on the Windsor estate, Frogmore Cottage is a five-bedroom residence that offers the benefit of being within the existing security perimeter, which would alleviate some of the financial strain associated with Andrew’s protection needs.

Additionally, the King has indicated his willingness to support Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York — both of whom have experienced significant health challenges in recent years, including cancer treatments. Now two years into his reign, King Charles appears more determined than ever to address this unresolved issue within the family.

The monarch’s patience reportedly ran thin as Andrew continued to reside in the estate, which has an estimated value of £30 million ($39 million).

With Royal Lodge representing one of the last symbols of his former royal life, the Duke of York has staunchly resisted the King’s calls to relocate to Frogmore Cottage.

Andrew’s determination to stay put at Royal Lodge is rooted in a 75-year lease he signed in 2003, which he claims provides him with long-term residency rights.

According to sources close to the Duke, he is adamant about his right to remain in the property and insists he has the funds to support his own security, despite the considerable expense.

An insider stated, “Prince Andrew is holding firm and is determined to stay in the Royal Lodge.” The prince, it appears, sees no reason to relocate, especially since he is no longer financially reliant on the King.

Royal expert Rupert Bell recently commented on Andrew’s resistance, attributing it to a mix of “stubbornness” and a sense of entitlement. Bell explained that Andrew’s “arrogance” and determination have often placed him at odds with others.

“He feels like he lost everything,” Bell noted, adding that the Duke’s refusal to downsize is his way of holding on to what remains of his former life. For Andrew, Royal Lodge represents stability and continuity amid the considerable changes he has faced.

The strained family dynamics have also affected Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34. While both princesses remain cherished members of the royal family, they are not part of Charles’ vision for a “slimmed down monarchy.”

As a result, Andrew reportedly hopes that the Royal Lodge might one day pass to his daughters, despite their exclusion from official royal duties under the new regime.

For now, the situation remains unresolved, with the King’s patience reportedly wearing thin. Andrew, meanwhile, maintains that he has found “other sources of income” through connections in international trade, which he claims will support his living and security costs.

However, royal sources suggest that His Majesty may still have the final say on the matter. As one insider remarked, “If he can find the money, then that is up to him, but if not, he will find that the King does not have unlimited patience.”

The matter may be temporarily settled, but it continues to cast a shadow over the family, with some suggesting that Andrew’s unyielding stance has “soured’ relationships within the royal household.