Prince Andrew could be facing eviction from his home as his brother King Charles has expressed “alarm” over the state of the property, a royal source has claimed.
The Duke of York, 64, was reportedly told last year to vacate Royal Lodge by the King amid claims he is unable to meet the £400k a year upkeep cost.
However, Andrew refused to budge from the Grade-II listed property and instead is reported to have negotiated a deal to stay on the condition that he keep up the repairs.
Pictures obtained by the Mirror, appear to show cracks in the brickwork and peeling paint on the exterior.
Prince Andrew could be facing eviction from Royal Lodge
Getty
A source told the publication that Andrew has a responsibility to keep the property in good shape, but claimed that is “certainly not happening”.
They said: “The state of the residence will be of great concern to the King after everything that has gone on and been discussed in regards to the house.
“Prince Andrew was told he must take charge of the necessary renovations or he will have no cause to stay in the house.
“There is no doubt the King will be alarmed at the true state of the residence after the duke assured him everything was in hand.”
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Royal expert Ingrid Seward added that although Charles has no wish to upset his brother and won’t force him out.
However, she adds that Charles does not “have any wish to finance him for the rest of his life”.
The comments come just days after a new row erupted over Prince Andrew’s Range Rover, which is fitted with blue emergency lights.
The Range Rover is assigned to the duke and is fitted with police lights, while the “back-up” Land Rover is fitted with amber hazard lights as part of a fleet leased by the Royal Household.
It is illegal for the public to fit blue lights on their car, but all members of the Royal Family have a special dispensation so vehicles can be used for official engagements and police convoys.
However, as Andrew is no longer a working royal, there are few scenarios, other than State Funerals or Coronations, where he or his private security team would be allowed to use the lights.
It is understood the blue lights in Andrew’s Range Rover have never been switched on.
Nazir Afzal OBE, a former Chief Crown Prosecutor, told The Mail: “There is no justification for Andrew having these blue lights. The vehicle should be withdrawn.
“It’s highly inappropriate, suggests arrogance and sends out a message that he is entitled to services that the average citizen wouldn’t be.
“There needs to be a review so only working Royals should have access to this privilege.”
