King Charles warned over 'serious mistake' with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's 'exit' from Royal Lodge
King Charles has been urged not to give into Andrew and Sarah's reported demands
King Charles has been warned that agreeing to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s alleged request for two new royal residences if they leave Royal Lodge could be a “serious mistake”.
The warning comes as pressure mounts on the king’s younger brother to vacate 30-room Royal Lodge.
His ex-wife Sarah also lives at the property. However, a bitter housing dispute has erupted amid renewed scrutiny over Andrew and Sarah’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
King Charles warned that he should not give into Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s ‘brazen demand’
Andrew has a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge. But recent reports claim that he has entered into advanced discussions with palace officials about finally leaving.
However, those discussions have reportedly become complicated due to Andrew and Sarah’s alleged demands.
According to The Sun, the pair want two separate homes. Andrew has apparently considered Frogmore Cottage, once occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Meanwhile, Sarah has reportedly expressed interest in Adelaide Cottage, the current home of Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales. However, they will soon move into Forest Lodge in Windsor.
Royal commentator Jennie Bond said granting Andrew and Sarah’s request would send the wrong message at a time when public anger over Andrew’s scandal is at an all-time high.
“I think it would be a serious mistake if the king and the palace agreed to such a brazen demand,” Bond told The Mirror.
“You have to ask yourself whether Andrew and Sarah are completely deaf to public opinion. There is genuine outrage from the public, and indeed several prominent members of Parliament, about the fact that they have lied about their friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.”
This seems to refer to Andrew saying he cut ties with Epstein in late 2010, despite a leaked email from 2011 appearing to show him telling Epstein they will “play some more soon”.
Meanwhile, Sarah reportedly emailed Epstein in April 2011, calling him a “supreme friend”. This was sent just weeks after she had publicly vowed to cut ties with him.
‘It is an audacious demand’
Bond pointed out that despite the public backlash and repeated calls for accountability, Andrew and Sarah “seem to think they are entitled to not just one, but two, magnificent homes”.
“It is an audacious demand, and one that the palace should outright reject,” she added. “Andrew and Sarah are grown-ups with their own money and resources. They should be made to fend for themselves and not rely on the king and the goodwill of the Crown Estate.”
I think it would be a serious mistake if the king and the palace agreed to such a brazen demand.
The king has reportedly been urging his brother to vacate Royal Lodge since early 2023. Frogmore Cottage was offered as an alternative residence.
At the time, Andrew reportedly refused. Bond noted the irony of the prince’s recent change of heart.
“All of a sudden, Frogmore Cottage… has apparently become desirable,” she said.
Prince Andrew allegations
The renewed controversy over Andrew’s living arrangements comes amid fresh allegations about his ties to Epstein.
As well as the leaked emails, the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir has sparked further outrage toward Andrew.
In the book, Ms Giuffre detailed the allegations that she was made to sleep with Andrew on three occasions in the early 2000s, after she was trafficked by Epstein.
Prince Andrew has always vehemently denied all the allegations against him.
Read more: King Charles heckled over Prince Andrew scandal during Lichfield visit
What do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsider. We want to know your thoughts!
