The 'loophole' that could help Prince Andrew win Royal Lodge battle against King Charles
A document signed by the disgraced Prince more than 20 years ago could provide his best defence against being forced out of the Windsor residence.
Prince Andrew could have a secret weapon in his arsenal as he faces the prospect of battling his brother King Charles over plans to evict the Duke of York from Royal Lodge in Windsor.
Following a slew of bad headlines in recent years, it's reported Prince Andrew, 64, is seen as a "waste of resources" by his 75-year-old brother, the King.
The monarch wants him to vacate Royal Lodge and move somewhere smaller, potentially lonely Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
King Charles has even removed his brother's security team in a bid to hasten the move. But Andrew is clinging to a loophole that may give him a reprieve.
The Duke of York signed a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge more than 20 years ago giving him control over it as long as it was maintained to an acceptable standard.
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The King will likely claim he has not achieved that but even if the lease is cancelled, Andrew would be entitled to the amount he has spent refurbishing the property.
The sum is thought to be substantial with the Duke pouring millions of pounds into the property along with paying the extortionate rent.
He will hope that is enough to put his brother off taking the ultimate step of evicting him from the property, thought to be worth at least £30 million, rather than simply trying to persuade him to leave.
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Andrew stays in the 31-bedroom home with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. Other potential bases for him in Windsor include Frogmore Cottage, the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Andrew is determined to stand his ground despite being seen as an embarrassment to the royal family after his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was exposed.
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield reckons Charles now sees his brother as a "waste of resources".
And she also suggested reports Charles was lining the lodge up for his youngest brother Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were wide of the mark. Instead, she reckons it is Camilla who stands to benefit.
Speaking to TalkTV, she said: "The King is thinking long term and might want this property that he spent so much time with the Queen Mother in to leave for Queen Camilla, in case the worst happens. He wants to have a space for her in a private area that's close enough to the family and close enough to where she will be safe and familiar with."
