Prince William and Kate Middleton have a specific timeline in mind for Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge before they relocate to their new permanent residence nearby, according to sources close to the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are reportedly preparing to move into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park before Bonfire Night. However, Prince William is said to be insistent that his controversial uncle, Prince Andrew, be out of his 30-room mansion by the time they make the transition. Prince Andrew’s reputation suffered a significant blow due to his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, claimed that she was trafficked by Epstein to engage in sexual activities with Prince Andrew when she was 17. Prince Andrew has vehemently denied these accusations but recently announced his decision to relinquish all his royal titles, including the Duke of York, due to ongoing allegations against him.
Sources reveal that William and Kate are eager to have Prince Andrew removed from Royal Lodge before they take up residence nearby. The source stated, “Catherine is uneasy about living in close proximity to Royal Lodge as long as Prince Andrew remains there.” William is pushing for Prince Andrew’s prompt departure before their moving process commences. The focus is now on instructing Prince Andrew on his next steps rather than accommodating his preferences.
Discussions regarding Prince Andrew’s future at Royal Lodge are ongoing, amid public outrage over the revelation that he pays a nominal rent for the expansive property. Despite having a secure lease that prevents eviction, palace insiders anticipate that the mounting public backlash will necessitate his eventual relocation.
In addition to managing the situation with Prince Andrew, William and Kate are using the half-term break to prepare their three children – George, Charlotte, and Louis – for the upcoming move.
Originally, the couple had hoped to reside at Royal Lodge itself, but due to Prince Andrew’s reluctance to vacate, they settled for Adelaide Cottage in 2022. According to reports, the decision to move into Adelaide Cottage was a compromise forced upon them, as Prince Andrew was unwilling to leave.
Earlier this year, the family redirected their focus to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion located a short distance from Royal Lodge. They view it as an idyllic environment to raise their children in a rural and hands-on setting.
Both Royal Lodge and Forest Lodge are situated in secluded areas of Windsor Great Park, surrounded by picturesque fields and woodlands where Prince Andrew often indulges in horse-riding.
Recent reports suggest that Prince Andrew may be offered the use of a luxurious palace as part of a discreet exit strategy from Royal Lodge. Sources indicate that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, has extended an extraordinary offer of free use of one of his royal palaces – a grand waterfront estate nestled amidst palm trees and sand dunes.
