UPDATE: Prince Andrew is set to receive a substantial six-figure payout to assist with his relocation from Windsor to private accommodation in Sandringham, Norfolk. This urgent financial settlement comes as he transitions into what has been described as his “new life as a commoner,” following the recent stripping of his royal titles.
The move, confirmed by multiple sources, includes a one-time payment to cover the costs of shifting to Sandringham, along with a regular stipend funded by King Charles. This allowance is reportedly several times greater than his current £20,000 annual navy pension, ensuring he avoids financial difficulties in his post-royal life.
News of this payout emerges as Prince Andrew faces significant backlash over his past, particularly his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Daily Telegraph indicates that both the Queen and Camilla expressed concerns that Andrew’s past associations were damaging to their charitable efforts, particularly regarding anti-abuse campaigns.
The King’s decision to remove Andrew’s titles was made public on October 26, 2023, in a dramatic statement from Buckingham Palace, which emphasized their support for abuse survivors. The palace stated,
“Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.”
Andrew’s relocation follows his agreement to vacate the Royal Lodge after his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, decided to leave the property. Reports suggest that Ferguson will not be moving to Sandringham and must find her own accommodations.
As the scandal continues to unfold, Andrew has been stripped of his public duties and is no longer recognized officially as Duke of York. His name has already been removed from the official roll of the peerage, a move that effectively ends his public life as a royal. He will also relinquish his 30-room Windsor residence, transitioning to Sandringham, a traditional gathering place for the royal family during Christmas.
The King’s actions are seen as a direct response to Andrew’s “serious lapses of judgment.” Earlier this month, it was reported that Andrew had agreed to stop using his royal titles but would retain his prince status, particularly in light of upcoming memoirs from Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual assault—a claim Andrew flatly denies.
The fallout from Andrew’s past is significant, affecting not only his personal life but also the royal family’s public image. The Queen’s discomfort with her son’s scandals was highlighted in a recent book, which disclosed her previous experiences with abuse, intensifying the scrutiny on Andrew.
In a further twist, it has also been revealed that Andrew allegedly attempted to leverage the Metropolitan Police for a smear campaign against Giuffre, raising additional concerns about his conduct. The police force is currently investigating these claims, as public outrage continues to grow over Andrew’s past actions.
Looking ahead, Andrew may delay his actual move until the new year to avoid any awkward encounters with family during the holiday period. Several potential residences at Sandringham are under consideration, though reports indicate Andrew will not be moving into the intimate Wood Farm, once favored by the late Queen. Instead, he may opt for properties such as Park House or York Cottage.
As public pressure mounts for legislative changes regarding royal titles and succession, York Central MP Rachael Maskell called for Parliament to act swiftly to ensure Andrew’s removal from the line of succession. Despite this, Downing Street has confirmed there are currently no plans for such legislative changes.
The implications of King Charles’s decisions are profound, leaving Prince Andrew’s future uncertain as he navigates life away from royal duties. The royal family’s focus remains on supporting abuse survivors, a commitment underscored by their recent actions. For ongoing updates, follow our live blog.
