King Charles still protecting Andrew as major loophole in lease laid bare

King Charles and Prince Andrew reportedly never got along well in their younger years and their sibling rivalry has only grown over time.

There has been a plenty of reportage in the British media suggesting that the monarch wants to kick out his disgraced brother from Royal Lodge and has been making efforts for it since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were evicted from Frogmore Cottage in 2023.

However, the arrogant royal was had blatantly refused orders and continued to keep his lease.

The monarch has already cut off his allowance and security funding last year, and finally on Friday, Andrew was “encouraged” to issue a statement via furious 10-minute call to give up his royal titles and honours. Prince William was a driving force behind the move.

Reports claimed that Charles was “glad” with the outcome but William still believes that Andrew should be stripped off his titles, even if it requires an Act of Parliament.

On the matter of the Royal Lodge, experts believe that the King is only held back by the “cast-iron” tenancy agreement, but that doesn’t seem to be the case legally.

Prince Andrew lease on Royal Lodge explained

The contract, which is made between the Crown Estate, can be forfeited by the Estate if any rent is not paid for 21 days, or if there is any breach of a tenant covenant, the point is highlighted by royal reporter Phil Dampier.

Hence, it contradicts the notion that the King is “powerless” to take a firm action against his brother.

“Should HRH the Duke of York wish to terminate the lease, the property would then revert to The Crown Estate,” the contract stated. “The Crown Estate may then be required to pay him compensation in respect of the refurbishment costs incurred. The maximum compensation of just under £7 million is subject to annual reductions over the first 25 years of the term of the lease, so that at the end of that period, there is nil compensation payable.”

In terms of the upkeep, Andrew is required to preserve the grounds and the building be repainted every five years. The Crown Estate also has the right to inspect “upon reasonable notice”.

Just like Charles had “encouraged” the move to give up use of his royal titles, he can once again “encourage” him to finally leave the 30-room royal residence, which is left in a crumbling state.