The financial cuts follow Andrew’s refusal to vacate his $38 million, 31-room home, Royal Lodge, which he shares with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
British broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital, “King Charles realizes that Prince Andrew living in Royal Lodge is not a good look. Prince Andrew’s reputation is at an all-time low. He lost the respect of the nation. And yet, his ego is at an all-time high. He does not see sense. He has dug his heels and refuses to leave the home he loves, the prestigious Royal Lodge.”
As reported by the UK Times, Prince Andrew has lived in Royal Lodge since 2004, under a 75-year lease signed the previous year. The property’s upkeep costs around $503,000 annually. Reports suggest that King Charles would cover Andrew’s living costs if he moved into Frogmore Cottage, the previous home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. According to the outlet, King Charles has also agreed to provide for Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
However, Andrew is reportedly “refusing” to downsize. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Fox News Digital at the time they wouldn’t comment on “security matters.”
Andrew’ popularity has taken a major hit since news of his connection to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein hit newsstands. Even though, Andrew has repeatedly denied any connection to Epstein’s crimes, he decided to step back from royal duties in 2019. In 2020, Virginia Giuffre filed a lawsuit against Andrew, accusing him of sexual exploitation when she was 17.
Though Andrew denied the allegations, he settled with Giuffre in 2022 and made a donation to her charity, stating it was not intended to harm her character.
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