Prince Andrew is reportedly experiencing a setback in his strained relationship with King Charles, as sources reveal he has “limited access” to the monarch during their current stay at Balmoral Castle. The Duke of York and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, are spending time at the King’s Scottish residence, but tensions remain high over the future of Royal Lodge, Andrew’s home since 2003.
King Charles has been pushing for Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge to downsize and reduce costs, a move that has sparked significant discord between the brothers. Despite the opportunity to address these issues in person, sources indicate that discussions about Royal Lodge are not on the agenda during their holiday.
An insider shared, “Charles does not like confrontation at the best of times and especially when he is on holiday. They are not in each other’s pockets at Balmoral and probably only regularly see one another at dinner.” The King, who has been undergoing cancer treatment, is reportedly keen to avoid any stressful discussions that might disrupt his much-needed rest.
The situation surrounding Royal Lodge is further complicated by the fact that Prince Andrew’s security team is scheduled to leave in October, adding urgency to his need for a resolution. However, the source noted, “At Christmas, Andrew did try to get a meeting with the King and she (Camilla) kept him at arm’s length.”
This strained dynamic comes amidst ongoing challenges for King Charles, who has had to balance his health concerns with the demands of his royal duties. Queen Camilla has expressed concern over Charles’s workload, urging him to slow down.
As the Royal Family navigates these complex issues, the relationship between King Charles and Prince Andrew remains fraught with tension, with the possibility of further disputes looming over the future of Royal Lodge.