Queen Camilla is reportedly “blocking crunch talks” between King Charles and Prince Andrew amid ongoing tensions over Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s residence since 2003. According to inside sources, the King wishes for the Duke of York to vacate the estate and downsize, citing rising security costs as a significant concern.
The ongoing dispute, dubbed the “Siege of Royal Lodge,” has caused a rift within the royal family. Despite being on holiday together at Balmoral Castle, the King and Prince Andrew have been kept “at arm’s length,” allegedly due to Queen Camilla’s intervention.
A close friend of the King and Queen shared, “Charles does not like confrontation, especially when he is on holiday. They are not in each other’s pockets at Balmoral and likely only see one another at dinner. This summer, the King needs rest more than ever. The cancer treatment has been tiring, often causing him to fall asleep. Bringing up Royal Lodge would be the last thing he needs.”
In February of this year, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer and would undergo treatment. Initially, the King stepped back from his public duties to focus on his recovery but resumed engagements in April, including a notable trip to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The source further noted that Queen Camilla appears to be protecting her husband while at Balmoral to ensure he does not overexert himself. “At Christmas, Andrew did try to get a meeting with the King, but she kept him at arm’s length,” the insider added.
Royal Lodge, located in Windsor, has been Prince Andrew’s home for over two decades. However, the King’s desire for his brother to downsize has led to significant resistance from the Duke. As a source described, “He is really resisting!” and the issue remains unresolved as the royal family navigates these challenging dynamics.
As the summer progresses, King Charles and Queen Camilla continue their holiday at Balmoral Castle, a tradition upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who would reside there until October each year. Alongside the Yorks, the King and Queen are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The unfolding situation at Royal Lodge underscores the complexities within the royal family as they balance personal relationships with public responsibilities and financial considerations.
