Prince Andrew set to stay put as Prince and Princess of Wales eye new Windsor residence
King Charles III has reportedly been forced to drop his prolonged bid to remove Prince Andrew from the Royal Lodge, following a shift in plans by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
The Duke of York, who has faced years of public backlash and a tarnished reputation, has now seemingly won his battle to remain in the 30-room Windsor mansion. His firm resistance to vacate the property—despite efforts by the King, including the withdrawal of his private security—has culminated in a quiet victory, aided by a change in direction from the Wales family.
According to The Mail on Sunday, Prince William and Catherine had been the intended future occupants of Royal Lodge. However, they are now believed to be considering Fort Belvedere instead—a secluded and grand Gothic revival estate located within Windsor Great Park.
“They feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial,” an insider shared. Fort Belvedere offers amenities including a swimming pool and tennis court, a particular favourite of Princess Charlotte, who reportedly enjoys the sport.
Another possible option for the Waleses is relocating to a wing of Windsor Castle, although no move has been finalised.
The late Queen Elizabeth II had reportedly also intended to relocate her son Andrew from Royal Lodge before her passing, according to royal author Robert Hardman. Yet it is Andrew’s 75-year lease, secured through the Crown Estate in 2003, that has ultimately allowed him to remain.
With William and Catherine’s housing plans shifting elsewhere, King Charles is now expected to ease off the pressure—effectively ending a long-running royal standoff and allowing his brother to stay put, at least for the foreseeable future.
