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King Charles is growing increasingly frustrated with Prince Andrew's refusal to relinquish his official royal duties and lavish lifestyle following sexual assault allegations. After two years on the throne, Charles wants the Andrew matter "absolutely settled" and is ramping up pressure on his brother through financial means.
Andrew currently lives a life of luxury at Royal Lodge, Windsor - a 31-bedroom mansion located on the Queen Mother's former home. However, it is understood Charles wants to move Andrew out of the property to make way for other royals. One option being considered is moving Andrew to Frogmore House, the more modest home of five bedrooms previously occupied by Prince Harry.
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While Andrew remains at Royal Lodge, Charles foots the bill for his living expenses. A recent report in The Times stated the King is losing patience with subsidizing Andrew's lifestyle. Now Charles is considering cutting financial support to Andrew altogether in order to force his hand.
The security contract providing a ten person detail for Andrew at Royal Lodge expires this fall and will not be renewed. But in an even bolder move, Charles is reportedly ready to end all funding to Andrew which would leave him to finance his lavish lifestyle independently.
This places Andrew in a difficult position. His highest annual income is estimated at £5 million from a naval pension and mother's trust fund. However, £5 million may no longer suffice if other royal allowances cease. Royal Lodge consists of 75 acres and a 25-bedroom mansion which would require significant funds to maintain, especially for just one occupant.
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Andrew also holds a 75-year lease on the property granted in 1999, but continuing residency hinges on ability to pay. If Charles cuts off money, it remains unclear how Andrew could afford the "hefty mortgage" on Royal Lodge. Moving to more modest Frogmore Cottage may become his only option to avoid financial ruin.
Charles appears to be strategically "milking Andrew dry" through limiting his options and squeezing finances. No security detail renewal and complete removal of funding would leave Andrew scrambling to drastically downsize living arrangements. Sources indicate other royals like Camilla disapprove of Charles' hardline tactics, but frustration with Andrew has reached a boiling point after two years.
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The royal family has also issued an "urgent financial warning" regarding Prince Harry's citizenship status in America. Experts fear Harry obtaining a green card or US citizenship could expose sensitive financial dealings and agreements between him and the royal family.
The family desires Harry to instead pursue an A-1 visa which allows permanent residence without requiring disclosure of private business records. Any money Harry receives associated with being a royal, like inheritance from the Queen, could be exposed through US tax filings.
The warning indicates the royal family operates with many financial dealings they wish to remain confidential. US citizenship threatens this secrecy and provides an opening for scrutiny of expenses like Harry's funding. An A-1 visa allows continued residence while keeping such transactions private, appeasing both Harry and Buckingham Palace.
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As Andrew faces the prospect of losing luxuries and influence, King Charles has proved himself a shrewd leader learning from past mistakes. While controversial, squeezing Andrew's finances may achieve the desired outcome of forcing him to find a new home and relinquish duties. Harry's citizenship status if also carefully monitored to avoid unwanted exposure of financial operations.
In both cases, protecting institutional secrets and moving problematic family members to the periphery remains the priority. Although divided on methods, the royal family is united in shielding itself from reputational damage and independent financial scrutiny that could undermine the monarchy's mystique for years to come.
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