King Charles is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with his younger brother, Prince Andrew, over the Duke of York’s refusal to vacate his £38 million home, Royal Lodge, amid tensions within the royal family. The conflict has been dubbed the “Andrew problem,” as the king pushes for a swift resolution by urging Andrew to either cover his own expenses or move to a more modest residence. According to sources, King Charles has made it clear that Andrew must downsize, particularly given that he is no longer a working royal.

Royal Lodge, a lavish estate in Windsor, has been Andrew’s residence for nearly two decades. However, since stepping down from his official duties following the scandal surrounding his ties to convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew’s continued stay there has sparked public criticism. The king, now 75, has long been intent on modernizing the monarchy, streamlining its operations, and cutting costs, particularly for non-working royals. His impatience with Andrew’s refusal to cooperate has intensified in recent months.

One key issue is the financial burden of maintaining Prince Andrew’s security. After a Home Office review, Andrew’s police protection was removed, and his current security—estimated at £3 million annually—is being privately funded by King Charles. This expense has become a point of contention as the king seeks to reduce royal expenditures. Charles offered Andrew an alternative residence, such as Frogmore Cottage, which was vacated by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but Andrew has reportedly resisted, insisting on remaining at Royal Lodge.

Public opinion has largely turned against Andrew, with many seeing his refusal to leave Royal Lodge as an emblem of entitlement that is out of step with modern values. For King Charles, who aims to redefine the monarchy’s role in contemporary society, this standoff presents a significant challenge. As the king seeks to streamline and modernize the royal family, resolving the situation with Andrew is viewed as a crucial step in managing both the monarchy’s future and its public image.

It remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved, but given King Charles’s determination to address the issue, change is expected soon, either through financial pressure or a more direct intervention.