Prince William and Kate Middleton have set a timeframe for Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge before their upcoming move to a new residence nearby, according to royal sources. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are preparing to relocate to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park before Bonfire Night. However, Prince William is reportedly adamant about his uncle Prince Andrew leaving the 30-room mansion before their arrival. Prince Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to his public downfall. Virginia Giuffre accused Andrew of engaging in sexual activities with her when she was 17, an accusation he has consistently denied. Recently, Prince Andrew announced his decision to relinquish all his royal titles, including the Duke of York, due to ongoing allegations against him.
Insiders revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton are eager to have Prince Andrew removed from Royal Lodge before they settle into their new home. A source mentioned that Catherine is uncomfortable with the idea of residing so close to Royal Lodge while Prince Andrew still occupies it. The source added that Prince William is determined to have his uncle relocated before their moving process commences. Negotiations concerning Prince Andrew’s future at Royal Lodge are ongoing as public discontent grows over reports that he pays a nominal rent for the extensive property. Despite having a secure lease that prevents immediate eviction, palace sources anticipate that he will eventually have to vacate due to the mounting criticism.
Additionally, Prince William and Kate Middleton are using the half-term break to prepare their children – George, Charlotte, and Louis – for the relocation. Initially, the couple had hoped to move into Royal Lodge itself, but they had to settle for Adelaide Cottage in 2022 after Prince Andrew’s refusal to vacate. The family’s new target residence is Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom Georgian mansion located slightly over a mile from Royal Lodge. They view this property as an ideal setting to raise their children in a more rural and hands-on environment.
Both Royal Lodge and Forest Lodge are situated in secluded areas of Windsor Great Park, surrounded by fields and woodland, where Prince Andrew is frequently spotted horse-riding. Recent reports suggest that Prince Andrew might be provided with free access to a luxurious palace as part of a plan to peacefully depart Royal Lodge. Sources indicate that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, has made an exceptional offer of free use of one of his royal palaces, a grand waterfront estate enveloped by palm trees and sand dunes.