“Andrew has an increasingly tragic figure”
The standoff between King Charles and Prince Andrew over the latter finally being forced out of his beloved Royal Lodge home is becoming increasingly bitter, with insiders dubbing it “the seat of Royal Lodge”.
As The Daily Beast previously reported, multiple sources told the London Times that Charles has threatened to cut off his disgraced brother’s funding if Andrew doesn’t leave his home soon. A friend of Charles told the newspaper: “It can be done properly or badly. This can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him. This is all rather sad. But as things stand, life at Royal Lodge will become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the Duke. The only question now is when he will realize that he has become a prisoner of his own pride and that returning the keys will bring him far greater comfort and the continued support of his family.
Charles continued to pressure Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, former residence of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, which would cost the family less. Andrew “is taking longer than desirable to recognize the reality of the situation, even though it is clearly the most sensible course of action,” a source close to the king complained. “If he does not agree to move to a property better suited to his needs, the King may need to reconsider the level of support he is prepared to provide.”
A source told the newspaper: “The king’s kindness is not without limits, and there is a very good option for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage… which also has the benefit of being inside the cordon security guard at Windsor Castle, reducing the need for an alternative tour. – 24 hour security for Royal Lodge.
“Andrew has an increasingly tragic figure. Without any discernible role, he spends his days watching television in a dark room,” the paper said, although he was seen riding with his brother Prince Edward as the latter prepared to take part in Trooping the Color on June 15.
“It’s really kind of sad, but if it comes down to who blinks first, then Andrew is going to dig.»
— Royal source
A friend of the duke told the newspaper: “Facts remain facts. He has a long lease on Royal Lodge, the family has lived there for around twenty years and they still have around fifty years remaining on the lease. It is in perfect condition as they spent most of the sale of their previous home (Sunninghill Park) renovating it from top to bottom, thus saving any draw on the public purse or the royal family’s private finances. These are the facts.
Another acquaintance told Times, “It’s really kind of sad, but if it comes down to who blinks first, then Andrew is going to dig. He’s not going anywhere. He has had a stay of execution due to Sarah (the Duchess of York, his ex-wife, with whom he lives) and the king’s illnesses, and he hopes that Charles will not want to be seen as vindictive in firing him.
Charles also funds Andrew’s security, housekeepers, gardeners and house renovations, estimated to cost a few million – this could also change.
A friend of Charles told Times“Unfortunately, if Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable time frame, then the King may be forced to reassess the overall support he provides, and the Duke would be required to fund the lion’s share of his security costs, accommodation and lifestyle on their own, which, given the amounts involved, is very unlikely in the long term. Everyone is concerned about their well-being and has their best interests at heart, but there are limits. to patience and tolerance.
Charles and Beckham “compare their beekeeping advice”
King Charles has appointed football icon David Beckham as ambassador for the King’s Foundation charity, the Sun Sunday reports. The two became friends after Beckham gave Charles a jar of homemade honey, and the two became friends through their shared passions for beekeeping and the countryside, the newspaper reported.
A source said: “The King and David Beckham really bonded over their similar interests. It’s a huge thing for him (Beckham) and he’s excited about it. He is truly passionate about his new role. Beckham met carpentry and embroidery students who have benefited from the charity’s work at Charles’ country home in Highgrove.
The sun on Sunday said Beckham had “distanced himself” from Harry and Meghan, and that it was also “an open secret” that he wanted to be knighted, having been made an OBE 20 years ago.
King Charles III shakes hands with David Beckham during a special industry showcase hosted by the British Fashion Council (BFC) at 180 Studios, London on May 18, 2023.
Jonathan Brady/Pool via Reuters
Beckham said in a statement to the newspaper: “I am delighted to be working with the King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work. I have always been keen to help young people broaden their horizons and I am particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s educational programs and its efforts to provide young people with better access to nature. Having developed a love for the countryside, I am also on a personal mission to learn more about the rural skills that are so essential to the Foundation’s work. It was inspiring to hear the King speak about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens and compare beekeeping tips.
Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the King’s Foundation, told the newspaper: “We are delighted to welcome David Beckham to the King’s Foundation family as an ambassador. We look forward to working with David over the coming months and years, to share the good work of the Foundation with a wider audience.
Kate Clinic data breach mystery continues
The investigation into an alleged data breach at the hospital where Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery in January has not yet been formally referred to police, police said. Mail Sunday reports – although a British health minister said the matter would be referred to London’s Metropolitan Police for review.
In January, it was reported that at least one member of staff at the London Clinic had attempted to access information about Kate. In trying to deduce what happened, experts told the Email that while the personal information of famous people may be hidden by hospitals under the use of false names, there may also be a “decoy” file created under the celebrity’s real name. This contains false information, “and is regularly checked by bosses to see if rebellious staff members have opened it without authorization”.
Queen Camilla, William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall arrive to attend the Royal Family Christmas service at St Mary’s Church -Madeleine, December 25, 2023.
Chris Radburn/Reuters
Kate could appear at the parade ceremony
Kate Middleton could make an appearance at the Trooping the Color ceremony on June 15, Mirror reports – although, as Kensington Palace clarified this week – she would not participate in the final dress rehearsal for King Charles’ official birthday on June 8. Charles himself will attend the ceremony, riding not on horseback but in an Ascot. Landau carriage with Queen Camilla.
This week in royal history
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953. On June 3, 1937, the Duke of Windsor married Wallis Simpson. On June 4, 2021, Harry and Meghan’s daughter Lilibet was born.
Unanswered questions
Who will win the “seat of Royal Lodge”? Will Andrew be able to keep his beloved home, or will Charles send him away? Will Kate make her return to public life at Trooping the Color?