Prince Andrew’s £30m Royal Lodge in Windsor is in a state of disrepair as King Charles withdrew his £1m annual “living allowance” after Andrew refused to move out. Concerning photos show large cracks in the exterior walls of the 31-bedroom mansion. The paint is peeling, and the roofing is covered in black mold, raising questions about the property’s upkeep.
The Duke of York has lived in the Royal Lodge for over 20 years but faced pressure from the monarch to leave due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier this year, Andrew declined an offer to move to Frogmore Cottage nearby, leading the King to cut his security team. With his royal allowance gone, Andrew faces financial difficulties.
In related news, Prince Charles and Prince William are facing calls to dissolve their private estates, which earned them over £50m last year. These estates, exempt from corporation and capital gains tax, have rental deals with public services like the NHS and state schools. Critics argue that the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall should be abolished as they prioritize profit over public service.
On a more positive note, the Military Wives Choirs released a lullaby called “November Sunday” to celebrate the King’s birthday. This song honors King Charles and his service to the nation, paying tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Choir hopes that the King will enjoy this heartfelt gift from them.
Additionally, the King and Prince of Wales’ estates have struck lucrative rental deals with public services, including the armed forces and the NHS. The Duchy of Lancaster stored new electric ambulances for the NHS at a cost of £11.4m over 15 years, while the Duchy of Cornwall charged the navy for building and using jetties. These deals have raised concerns about the royals benefiting from public resources.
In other royal news, Prince William is in South Africa for the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony. He will meet young environmentalists during Earthshot Week to support their leadership skills. This visit holds special significance for William, who has a deep connection to Africa and sees it as a source of inspiration for environmental conservation efforts.
Lastly, Camilla is featured in a documentary highlighting domestic abuse survivors’ stories. She visited a refuge and spoke with survivors about their experiences, emphasizing the importance of these safe spaces. The Queen has also met survivors at refuge centers, showing support for those affected by domestic abuse.
Overall, the royal family’s financial and charitable activities continue to be under scrutiny, while their efforts to support important causes like environmental conservation and domestic abuse awareness are also highlighted.
