Former Prince Issues Demands Before Royal Lodge Departure
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has been instructed to leave his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor within the coming months, following his removal from royal duties and titles. This development comes as the controversial figure faces continued scrutiny over his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The List of Demands
According to reports from MailOnline and The Mirror, Andrew has presented a detailed list of requirements that must be met before he will agree to vacate the property. These demands include maintaining an adequate number of staff at his new residence, believed to be the private Sandringham Estate on the Norfolk coast.
The specific staffing requests reportedly comprise a cook, housekeeper, gardeners, and a butler to maintain his accustomed lifestyle. Additionally, the former prince has taken an unusual stance regarding his personal collection, refusing to pack his extensive assortment of teddy bears until a satisfactory agreement about his new accommodation and caretakers is reached.
Restrictions and Concerns
The demands emerge alongside reports that Andrew has been prohibited from riding around the grounds of Windsor Castle, though arrangements are allegedly being made to permit him to walk in certain areas away from public view. He has reportedly insisted on maintaining freedom of movement rather than being confined to his new home.
Meanwhile, his former wife Sarah Ferguson, with whom he continues to share Royal Lodge despite their divorce, has expressed significant concerns about his future. A source told The Sun that Ferguson fears "dark forces" might target Andrew, noting she remains "s***-scared and massively on edge" about potential further repercussions from his connection to the Epstein scandal.
Background and Consequences
Prince Andrew's fall from grace accelerated dramatically after his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge, particularly following his widely criticised Newsnight interview in 2019. He has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors linked to Epstein.
The situation has escalated with the former royal receiving a formal request to testify before the US Congress regarding his knowledge of Epstein's activities. As public anger shows no signs of diminishing, experts suggest Ferguson might even consider leaving the UK entirely, while Andrew's own future within the royal establishment remains uncertain.
