As tensions rise within the British Royal Family, former royal correspondent Michael Cole has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between Prince Andrew and King Charles over the Duke of York’s residence at Royal Lodge. According to Cole, the issue goes deeper than just a property row, revealing the “real problem” faced by the embattled prince.

Prince Andrew, 63, has been at the center of controversy since his connection to Jeffrey Epstein came to light, and his diminished royal duties have left him in a precarious position. Despite stepping back from public life, Andrew has remained in his sprawling Royal Lodge residence in Windsor, a 30-room mansion that was once the home of his late parents, the Queen Mother and Prince Philip.

The current conflict between the Duke of York and King Charles reportedly revolves around the King’s desire to streamline the Royal Family’s expenses. As part of this effort, Charles has proposed that Andrew relocate from Royal Lodge to a smaller property, a move that the prince has reportedly resisted. The proposed downsizing has become a focal point in the latest chapter of Andrew’s troubled post-scandal life.

According to Cole, Andrew’s “real problem” is not just about losing his long-held residence but reflects a deeper issue: his struggle to find relevance and purpose following his fall from grace. “This is about more than a home. Prince Andrew is grappling with his identity in the new order of the monarchy,” Cole stated. “With Charles now on the throne, Andrew’s future as a member of the Royal Family is increasingly uncertain.”

The Duke’s financial situation has also been called into question, as his previous sources of income have largely dried up. Without his royal duties, he no longer receives public funding, making the cost of maintaining Royal Lodge another sticking point in the ongoing feud.

King Charles, who has taken a firm stance on modernizing the monarchy, appears determined to reduce unnecessary expenses. This has put him at odds with his younger brother, who seems unwilling to give up his luxurious residence despite mounting pressures.

While the row between the two royal brothers continues, it is clear that the issue reflects a broader challenge facing Prince Andrew in the years ahead. As Michael Cole highlights, Andrew’s real struggle may be about securing his place in a monarchy that is evolving without him.

Whether a compromise can be reached or if this dispute signals a more significant shift in Andrew’s role within the Royal Family remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fallout from the Epstein scandal continues to haunt the prince, with lasting consequences for his future.