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Prince Andrew appears to have found a new sanctuary at Royal Lodge in Windsor as plans for his security detail are amended. The Duke of York has adamantly refused offers to relocate from his opulent 30-bedroom abode at Royal Lodge, estimated to be worth £30 million, despite financial pressures mounting.
As revealed by a reliable source, King Charles III has made the decision to withdraw private funding for Andrew's team of 10 security personnel. Taxpayer money will no longer cover the Duke's security expenses going forward. This comes as the monarch looks to address escalating security costs.
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To help find a compromise, Prince Andrew has chosen to employ a mobile security team to guarantee adequate protection of the property. The source clarified that discontinuing the private security detail is solely due to financial reasons, as renewing the proposed contract in October was deemed too costly. Discussions have taken place regarding implementing a mobile security team to maintain round-the-clock protection through regular patrols and remaining available as needed. Additionally, a new lower-cost security system will be installed at Royal Lodge that will not burden taxpayers.
The Windsor estate is home to several other royal residences, ensuring a constant police presence in the area. While officers are not officially assigned to Andrew, they will still respond promptly if a serious issue arises.
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Prince Andrew has inhabited Royal Lodge since 2003 under a 75-year lease agreement with the Crown Estate. The lease obligates Andrew to maintain, repair, renew, clean and uphold the grand mansion. It also stipulates that the mansion's exterior walls must be repainted every five years with two coats of paint, while the interior requires at least two coats of paint, papering, polishing and appropriate treatment every seven years starting from 2010.
Upholding these lease terms has proven financially straining for Andrew in recent years. In 2019 alone, Frogmore Cottage, offered to Andrew as an alternative residence, underwent a £24 million renovation. However, the prince has refused to vacate Royal Lodge, clinging to its sanctuary despite mounting costs.
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Amid growing isolation, it seems Prince Andrew may have found respite in spending quality time with his family. A confidential source recently revealed Andrew has accepted exclusive use of the late Queen's former summer cottage on the Balmoral estate, accompanied by his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
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After virtually isolating himself at Royal Lodge since Christmas, Andrew is said to be eagerly anticipating some quality family time. A source divulged this trip will provide the Duke with a much-needed break. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are hopeful the pleasant family getaway will lift Andrew's spirits and coax him from his near-complete seclusion at Windsor.
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While Charles removes private security funding, Prince Andrew appears determined to remain ensconced at Royal Lodge despite financial pressures. Through compromising on security and maintaining the property himself, Andrew clings to the estate's sanctuary. Accepting use of the Balmoral cottage also signals Andrew's continued reliance on ties to the Royal Family during isolation. Whether this strategy sustains the prince long-term remains uncertain. For now, Royal Lodge and familial resorts seem to be where Andrew finds solace and escape from pressures as his security arrangements evolve
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