Duke hires budget security while daughters poised for larger royal roles under future King William
Prince Andrew appears to be taking quiet but deliberate steps to secure his position at Royal Lodge, just as encouraging news emerges regarding the future royal roles of his daughters.
The Duke of York, embroiled in a prolonged dispute with King Charles over his residence at the 30-room mansion, has reportedly implemented subtle changes to maintain his hold on the property amid mounting financial pressures.
Previously, the King sought to relocate his brother to Frogmore Cottage — the former residence of Harry and Meghan Markle — in a bid to reduce royal household expenses. Yet Andrew has consistently resisted the move, determined to remain at Royal Lodge.
Property expert Robin Edwards revealed that the 65-year-old royal, now personally responsible for funding the upkeep and security of the estate, has resorted to hiring a budget security firm.
“Andrew has apparently been forced to economise and hire a cut-price security firm to guard him and Royal Lodge,” Edwards explained. “However, he has refused to leave his lavish mansion and move to the significantly smaller Frogmore Cottage, believing it to be not grand enough for him.”
Andrew secured a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate in August 2003. According to Edwards, the original maintenance costs — estimated at £7.5 million in 2002 — have likely risen considerably due to inflation. Additionally, as the property lies outside Windsor Castle’s security perimeter, security expenses are now “substantially higher”.
Meanwhile, royal author Ingrid Seward has suggested a bright future awaits Andrew’s daughters, hinting that their roles within the monarchy may expand under Prince William’s eventual reign.
“When William ascends the throne, their daughters will be valuable assets, and I’m certain they will get involved with royal duties,” Seward told Hello! magazine. “It makes perfect sense, because he will need them.”
She added that the King remains fond of his nieces and often entrusts them with special tasks to support the monarchy. However, William is reportedly planning to “completely exclude” his uncle from any future royal duties.
It remains to be seen whether Andrew is relying on his daughters’ rising prominence to help shield him from further repercussions within the royal fold.
