King Charles under pressure as protests grow over Andrew’s Royal Lodge and calls mount for change
Prince William and Catherine are reportedly working behind the scenes to calm tensions within the royal family as pressure mounts on Andrew to vacate his 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor. The protests surrounding the property have intensified following the release of a controversial new book that has reignited scrutiny of Andrew’s past.
Demonstrators have gathered outside the residence, with some using megaphones to demand that the Duke of York leave. Reports suggest he has paid little to no rent on the estate for over two decades, prompting growing calls for a parliamentary investigation into his arrangement with the Crown Estate.
King Charles is said to be in a difficult position. While he hopes Andrew will step aside voluntarily as a gesture of goodwill, he fears that forcibly removing him could create fresh turmoil for the monarchy—especially after Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life.
Royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun that the King wants his brother to move elsewhere, with William and Catherine also concerned that the situation could spiral further. “It’s all turning into a bit of a circus,” Dampier said. “I’m sure William would just like to see the back of it to be honest.”
He added that William is increasingly frustrated by the damage the ongoing controversy is doing to the royal family’s image. “Behind the scenes, he’d like to take a much firmer line with his uncle,” Dampier explained. “He wants this mess cleared up once and for all before he becomes king.”
