The News
Prince Andrew Under Pressure to Disclose Income Sources Amid £3 Million Claim
In a dramatic turn of events, Prince Andrew is facing mounting pressure to disclose the sources of his income following serious allegations from a French socialite.
Isabel de Rouva has claimed that the Duke owes her a staggering £3 million related to a disputed transaction involving a luxury ski chalet.
The controversy has intensified as King Charles recently cut off Andrew's annual security funding, leading to speculation about how he is financing his lavish lifestyle at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
King Charles has made it clear that he no longer intends to cover Andrew's £3 million-a-year security expenses.
The monarch has urged his brother to consider moving into more modest accommodations.
This shift has been dubbed the “Siege of Royal Lodge,” as Andrew continues to reside in the opulent 30-room mansion despite the King's recommendations.
Reports suggest that Andrew managed to convince palace officials that he has secured sufficient funds to maintain his residence.
However, Buckingham Palace has come under fire for its refusal to disclose the origins of this newfound financial support, which is believed to be substantial.
The Keeper of the Privy Purse, Sir Michael Stevens, reportedly approved Andrew's financing as legitimate, but the lack of transparency has raised eyebrows among the public and media alike.
Adding fuel to the fire, Royal writer Robert Hardman revealed in his biography of King Charles III that Andrew's personal allowance, estimated at £1 million per year, has also been severed.
Despite this setback, insiders claim that Andrew has found alternative income streams through his international trade connections.
Yet, the legitimacy of these claims is now being questioned.
Isabel de Rouva's explosive comments have brought significant attention to the situation.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, she expressed her outrage over Andrew's apparent financial recovery after previously claiming he was unable to pay her what he owed.
“I reduced what he owed me because they told me he did not have the money,” she said.
“Now he is saying he has plenty of finances, but where does this money now come from?”
The controversy surrounding Andrew is further complicated by his lease agreement for Royal Lodge, which he signed with the Crown Estate in 2003.
The terms require him to pay an annual rent of £260,000, along with the responsibility for maintenance and repairs of the property.
With upkeep costs estimated at around £503,000 annually, the financial strain on Andrew is becoming increasingly evident.
Despite King Charles's attempts to persuade Andrew to relocate to Frogmore Cottage, the Duke remains steadfast in his refusal to leave Royal Lodge.
This standoff has become a contentious issue, especially given the state of disrepair reported at the mansion.
Royal biographer Angela Levin noted that the property is in dire condition, and Andrew's neglect has not gone unnoticed.
As the situation unfolds, there are whispers that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may become involved due to the financial implications for the Crown Estate, which ultimately reports to the Treasury.
The tension between Andrew and the royal family appears to be escalating, with little resolution in sight.
In a surprising twist, rumors surfaced about a potential royal return for Andrew as a helicopter pilot for King Charles.
His experience flying during the Falklands War could make him a suitable candidate, but insiders believe he would likely fail the vetting process due to his controversial past, including associations with convicted s offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The prospect of Andrew securing a position within the King's Helicopter Flight raises questions about his ability to navigate the scrutiny that comes with such a role.
The Palace's HR team conducts thorough background checks, and Andrew's history could spell trouble for any hopes of rejoining royal duties.
As the Duke grapples with financial challenges and familial tensions, the public watches closely.
The outcome of this saga remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Prince Andrew's future within the royal fold hangs in the balance, and the call for transparency regarding his financial dealings is louder than ever.