Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been told by the monarch to leave Royal Lodge, but the delay in doing so could well prove to be an advantage for the monarch
Matt Davies Trendswatch Reporter
15:53, 04 Dec 2025
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have given King Charles some “Christmas cheer” (Image: Getty)
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have brought some “Christmas cheer” to King Charles by reportedly dragging his “feet” over his departure from Royal Lodge. In October, the monarch announced that he would not only strip Andrew of his ‘prince’ title but also finally remove him from the long-contested mansion in Windsor Great Park.
This follows Andrew’s announcement that he would give up his royal titles, including Duke of York, following intense media scrutiny over his connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew, who has consistently denied the allegations against him, has been involved in a long-standing battle with his brother over the tenancy of the 30-room mansion, which he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
Despite Andrew’s impending departure from the property, The Times reports that the shortest notice period he could give was 12 months, meaning he will continue to remain in Royal Lodge for a year.
Andrew has long been embroiled in a dispute with his brother over the tenancy of the mansion(Image: Getty)
The report also suggests that he is “unlikely to be in a hurry” to vacate, despite palace sources reportedly being “adamant” that they expect Andrew to leave in the first quarter of 2026.
However, the latest turn of events might have a silver lining for Charles. As reported by Kate Mansey in The Times: “As Andrew drags his feet leaving Royal Lodge, it means he won’t have moved into Sandringham in time for the family Christmas celebrations there. This is being seen by sources close to Charles as rather ‘fortuitous’, given that Andrew isn’t invited to the festivities.”
“When Andrew does finally move into Sandringham next year, Charles might be minded to follow the tradition of his predecessor, Queen Victoria, and host the royal Christmas festivities at Windsor instead.”
In other news, Charles recently hosted the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at a state banquet at Windsor Castle, with several high-profile guests in attendance.
Andrew has allegedly been dragging his “feet” over his exit from Royal Lodge
(Image: Getty Images)
Among the distinguished attendees were model Claudia Schiffer, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and renowned German film composer Hans Zimmer, famed for his work with director Christopher Nolan.
During the event, the King made a speech emphasising the importance of Western allies supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, according to BBC reports.
In his address, Charles stated: “The United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.”
President Steinmeier responded by acknowledging Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine, stating they were “side by side in support of Ukraine”. Other high-ranking royals present included Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and the Princess Royal.
In a light-hearted moment, the King also referenced the sporting rivalry between the UK and Germany. He quipped: “One has to admit some element of truth in the famous description of football as a game where 11 people play 11 people and then, in the end, Germany win!”