Real reason Andrew's Royal Lodge eviction announcement took so long

Andrew hit an all-time royal low last week as it was announced he was to be stripped of all his royal titles and evicted from his 30-room Royal Lodge home. Buckingham Palace made the announcement on Thursday after weeks of Andrew dominating the headlines as a result of scandals involving his past friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

While Andrew has always denied all accusations against him, the King’s brother was aware of how he was being a distraction to the monarchy, and on October 17 said he would no longer use his royal titles. However, King Charles took this a step further by formally removing them from him - a move that many did not see coming.

While the King’s actions have been praised, some believe the monarch, 76, took too long to take action, especially over evicting the former prince from his Crown Estate mansion, however Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary Ailsa Anderson has now explained why.

Talking to People magazine, Anderson said: "Andrew had been dragging his heels. They (the Royal Family) had to take constitutional advice and legal advice and over the lease on Royal Lodge.

"They had to get all the dots on I’s and T’s crossed before they made this announcement."

Anderson also said the situation would have been “difficult” for the King, especially as Andrew is his younger brother.

She said: “It must be mixed emotions for him (the King). That is why this has taken such a long time. It is family and monarchy, and when the lines are blurred, it’s very difficult for them.”

Andrew is expected to leave Royal Lodge within months despite originally having a lease until 2078.

It was confirmed last week that he will move to a property on the monarch’s private Sandringham estate.

It is unlikely the former prince will be seen on the royal stage again except for very rare occasions.