The Duke of York, who currently resides in the Royal Lodge at Windsor despite King Charles' efforts to evict him, has become increasingly isolated from the rest of the royal family.
Prince Andrew's inner circle has shrunk considerably since he refused to leave his thirty-room residence, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, despite King Charles III's request to move to Frogmore Cottage, the former British home of the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Retired in this sumptuous royal residence, Prince Andrew leads a discreet life. According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, he “barely goes out” and is “unwelcome.” “He just doesn’t have many friends anymore,” they add. Although he has enjoyed the company of his horse in recent weeks, the Duke has made few public appearances in recent years, having been sidelined from royal duties by losing his Royal Highness titles and honorary military roles, on decision of Queen Elizabeth II.
A mysterious financial support
In a new edition of the book “Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, author Robert Hardman reveals that King Charles ordered the monarchy's financial director, the 'Keeper of the Privy Purse,' to cut Prince Andrew's annual allowance, estimated at £1million (around 1.2 million euros). He also asked him to stop funding his private security, which represents a cost of several millions.
However, Prince Andrew recently secured mysterious financial support which allowed him and Sarah Ferguson to stay at the Royal Lodge. This anonymous source of funding has raised questions, particularly from the British government, which is asking for clarification on its origin. To date, no precise information has been communicated. Prince Andrew's only known income is his pension from his service in the Royal Navy.
Despite his isolation, the Duke of York was seen at a church service at Balmoral last year, alongside members of the royal family. He is also expected to take part, as he does every year, in the traditional Christmas Day walk with the King and other members of the royal family, from Sandringham House to St Mary Magdalene Church, in Norfolk.
