Prince Andrew is set for 'dynamite' clash with King Charles over one issue

Prince Andrew is reportedly gearing up for a significant confrontation with King Charles over his continued residence at the Royal Lodge, a lavish 31-room mansion in Windsor Great Park.

This disagreement could lead to a major rift within the Royal Family, with potential ramifications for their public image and internal dynamics.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams recently highlighted the growing tension between the Duke of York and the King, pointing out that Andrew's insistence on staying at the Royal Lodge despite pressure to relocate could escalate into a full-blown crisis for the monarchy.

He said: "He is at loggerheads with the King over his tenure of Royal Lodge and his supportive ex-wife is never silent for long. Potentially, it could be dynamite for the monarchy."

Prince Andrew has been living at Royal Lodge since 2003, where he moved in under a 75-year lease with an annual rent of £260,000.

The residence, which he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, is valued at more than £30 million.

However, King Charles has reportedly urged Andrew to downsize to the more modest Frogmore Cottage, which has five bedrooms, in a bid to improve the Royal Family's image amid ongoing scandals and financial scrutiny.

Andrew, who has faced public backlash and a significant fall from grace following hiscontroversial association with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, has been resistant to the idea of leaving the Royal Lodge.

Despite losing his royal duties and military titles in the wake of a disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew appears determined to maintain his current living situation.

The situation is further complicated by the financial aspects of Andrew’s lease.

If the lease were to be terminated, Andrew would be entitled to compensation for the substantial amount he has spent on refurbishing the property.

Moreover, the terms of the lease allow Andrew to pass it on to his children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have both married and started families.

Sarah Ferguson, who has been a vocal supporter of Andrew, also complicates matters.

Known for her outspoken nature, Ferguson has been seen as a potential catalyst in the ongoing dispute.

"She and Andrew sold their chalet in Verbier for £19 million last year," Fitzwilliams said, "so they may be able to afford to stay in Royal Lodge."

However, with Ferguson recently purchasing a £4 million property in Belgravia, questions about the necessity of maintaining Royal Lodge have arisen.

King Charles, who is reportedly concerned about the optics of Andrew occupying such a grand property amidst scandals, is aware that Andrew’s actions could further tarnish the reputation of the Royal Family.

"King Charles is acutely aware that Andrew’s occupation of a mansion, worth at least £30 million, is harmful to the image of the royal family," Fitzwilliams added.

The public seems to be in agreement on the issue, with a recent poll showing that 88 percent of respondents wanted Andrew’s association with the City of York to end.

With another dramatisation of his infamous Newsnight interview set to air next month, the Duke of York’s public image shows little sign of improvement.

As tensions mount, the upcoming discussions between King Charles and Prince Andrew at Balmoral are expected to be crucial in determining the future of Royal Lodge and the Duke’s role within the family.

However, Fitzwilliams believes that finding a resolution will not be straightforward.

"King Charles will have plenty to discuss with his brother at Balmoral this summer, but a resolution of their differences is likely to be extremely difficult to achieve," he said.