Prince William has allegedly warned Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie that their royal titles could be reconsidered unless they persuaded their father, Prince Andrew, to leave Royal Lodge. According to BBC broadcaster Emily Maitlis, who conducted the Duke of York’s controversial 2019 Newsnight interview, the Prince of Wales is believed to have met with the princesses last week to discuss the issue. Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, are said to have agreed to vacate the 30-room Windsor residence they have shared since 2008, following renewed criticism of Andrew’s links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
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Speaking on The News Agents podcast, Maitlis claimed that William had placed “a bit of pressure” on his cousins to convince their father to move out, allegedly warning that their own titles could come under review. The King, who was expected to confront Andrew over the matter upon returning from his audience with the Pope, reportedly cancelled the planned meeting. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the claims.
The controversy surrounding Royal Lodge has intensified following reports that Andrew once hosted Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at the property during Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations nearly twenty years ago. Epstein had already been wanted by US authorities on charges of sexually assaulting a minor at the time. Both Maxwell and Weinstein are currently serving prison sentences for sexual offences, while Epstein died in custody in 2019.
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Andrew, 65, continues to face mounting pressure to give up his lease on Royal Lodge, which he reportedly occupies under a highly favourable “peppercorn rent” agreement with the Crown Estate. Although he and Sarah Ferguson are said to have accepted the need to move out, they are reportedly seeking alternative royal residences, including Frogmore Cottage or Adelaide Cottage. The debate surrounding the Duke’s living arrangements comes amid wider scrutiny of his public role and remaining privileges within the Royal Family.
