‘Powerless’ Puddy in Prince Andrew’s Hands: King Charles Mocked as All Bravado and ‘No Bite’ Since Monarch Is Unable to Evict Younger Brother

King Charles III has found himself in a position where he lacks the authority to remove his brother, Prince Andrew, from the Royal Lodge, a residence he has occupied for over two decades. This situation highlights a significant power vacuum within the royal family. According to royal correspondent Richard Palmer, the King is reportedly eager for Andrew to assume responsibility for the estate’s maintenance and security expenses now that he is no longer a working royal. However, as Palmer pointed out, the King is in a powerless position when it comes to evicting Andrew, and there have been no new directives from the Crown Estate regarding this issue.

The Duke of York’s ability to remain in the Royal Lodge hinges heavily on the Crown Estate, which oversees various royal properties independently of the monarch’s direct influence. This dynamic runs counter to claims made by a source cited in the Daily Express, suggesting that Andrew faces a deadline at the year’s end to meet the Crown Estate’s demands, which include securing funding for approximately $2.6 million in much-needed repairs. Should he fail to arrange these finances, formal conversations with the Crown Estate could lead to a discussion about his future occupancy.

Faced with financial strain, Andrew may struggle to cover the repair costs. Reports indicate that King Charles III has curtailed the generous annual allowance that Queen Elizabeth II once provided to his younger brother. Additionally, it has been claimed that Andrew’s security detail will soon be discontinued. This combination marks what could be the closest Prince Andrew has come to facing eviction since his withdrawal from royal duties two years ago.

The ongoing tensions between Charles and Andrew have reportedly flared up on multiple occasions since the King ascended the throne in September 2022. Friends of the Duke have noted that, despite their disagreements, Andrew has refrained from publicly criticizing his brother or family members.

Many observers around the royal family have pointed out that the Crown Estate’s management of properties is distinct from the Royal Palaces Estate, which can utilize taxpayer funds for maintenance under the Sovereign Grant. This particular situation allowed King Charles to evict Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from Frogmore Cottage last summer.

As the conflict continues, Prince Andrew’s tumultuous relationship with King Charles III has resulted in increased scrutiny, with some even suggesting he is now creating more controversies for the King than Harry and Meghan combined.

In light of these revelations, Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, recently addressed the ongoing familial tensions during an interview. While she refrained from divulging specifics, her comments underscored the complexities involved, ultimately leaving the issue of brotherly disputes to the siblings themselves.

As events unfold, the public remains captivated by the royal family dynamic, pondering the future of Prince Andrew’s residence and the King’s influence over family matters. The situation illustrates not just the nature of royal power but also the emotional currents that underpin it.