Prince Andrew forced to splash out on cut-price security after Charles axes £3million fund

Prince Andrew has been compelled to make arrangements for a more economical security service for his 30-room residence in Windsor after King Charles terminated the £3 million annual funding. Recent revelations from a tell-all book suggested that King Charles withdrew support, including security coverage, for Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge in Windsor. Despite facing various controversies, the 64-year-old Duke of York has reportedly opted for a cheaper security provider to safeguard his property. Allegedly without a source of income but with connections to affluent individuals, it is believed that Prince Andrew is funding the new security measures with financial support from the Middle East. Notably, his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, have participated in speaking engagements in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

A source disclosed to The Sun, “He has his security but at a cheaper rate and he is managing to finance it himself. He has dug his heels in and is refusing to move so found a way to finance his security. How sustainable in the long term, then who knows how long he can do it for.” Author Andrew Lownie, who is currently working on a biography about Prince Andrew, stated to the Mirror, “Prince Andrew is likely to have many forms of income.” In 2007, Prince Andrew sold his Sunninghill Park estate in Berkshire for an astonishing £15 million, exceeding the listed price by £3 million. Furthermore, during his tenure as the UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment which concluded in 2011, he established a network of business contacts in Asia and the Middle East. The Royal Family provided him with a £1 million home in Abu Dhabi during this time. Additionally, a report by Bloomberg News in December 2017 revealed that Andrew secured a £1.5 million personal loan from Bank Havilland in Luxembourg, repaid just 11 days later. Buckingham Palace declined to respond when contacted for comment.

In summary, Prince Andrew has been compelled to seek reduced-cost security services for his Windsor residence following the termination of the £3 million annual security fund by King Charles. Despite lacking a formal income, Prince Andrew appears to be financing the security measures through funds acquired from the Middle East, in addition to proceeds from property sales and business connections established during his previous role in international trade.