King Charles has ensured that no taxpayer money has been used to cover the Duke of York’s security costs at Royal Lodge and this arrangement is set to continue after his private security team leaves the property in October.
Despite public money not being in the frame since Andrew’s taxpayer-funded protection was revoked in 2022, private funding from various sources – including £3m annually from the monarch himself, has helped keep the Duke of York, 64, in the life he was once accustomed to.
However, the King recently opted against renewing a 10-man security team stationed at Prince Andrew’s residence due to escalating costs prompting fresh speculation that Andrew may soon be forced to vacate the property.
Now Express.co.uk can reveal that Prince Andrew’s decision to use a cheaper “mobile security” option at the property has brought security costs down by close to £2 million a year, which will allow him to remain at the property.
“Using a mobile security service can save considerable costs,” said the source. “It may come across as penny-pinching but at the end of the day it makes sense.”
“There are several options which will still see someone stationed on-site, regular patrols, improved security systems inside the property and an external monitoring station.
“These types of security systems can reduce the costs by several million a year and still provide roughly the same amount of protection.
“There’s no need for 10 plus men to be stationed on-site because most of the work can be done from an external monitoring station.
“Intrusion alarms, smart fences, perimeter systems and sophisticated sensors can also be put into action to help further protect the property.”
The Duke of York lost his public protection when he was forced to step down from his royal duties following his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2019. An association that Andrew vehemently denies.
Since then, King Charles has appeared to increase pressure on his younger brother to move out of Royal Lodge, but according to reports, he has refused to vacate the 30-room Grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
Despite the furore surrounding the duke and his brother, relations are still said to be “cordial” and the pair are even holidaying at Balmoral together this month.
Express.co.uk revealed over the weekend that the monarch’s younger brother has been offered the exclusive use of the Queen’s old cottage on the Balmoral estate this summer, Craigowan.
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla are staying in their beloved Birkhall home on the same estate.
The rest of the Royal Family, including Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – are also currently on holiday on the Scottish estate.
