Former Prince Andrew refuses to leave royal residence: Biographer

Former Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles and ordered to vacate his royal home in October, is reportedly resisting the move and seeking substantial financial compensation, according to royal biographer Andrew Lownie.

Mountbatten-Windsor is said to be digging in his heels while attempting to secure a significantly large residence, as the royal family urges him to leave, Lownie told NewsNations Paula Froelich. The ex-prince has previously tried to negotiate a monetary arrangement to exit the Royal Lodge, though it is unclear whether these talks have succeeded.

Lownie also noted that Andrew wants his daughters to maintain their royal status and titles. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have continued to stay close to the royal family despite their fathers fall from favor.

In October, Andrews brother, King Charles III, removed his royal titles and demanded he leave the royal property due to his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Attention on Andrews connection to Epstein intensified in recent months after fresh allegations of sexual abuse surfaced. In her posthumous memoir released in October 2025, Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre claimed Prince Andrew considered himself entitled to her and that she was paid $15,000 for their initial encounter when she was 17.

Author's Commentary: Prince Andrew's Standoff and the Royal Family

Prince Andrew’s ongoing resistance to vacating the Royal Lodge highlights a rare public dispute within the royal household. Despite losing his royal titles in October and being ordered to leave, reports indicate he is seeking significant financial compensation and a new, substantial residence.

According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, Andrew has attempted to negotiate a monetary arrangement for his exit, though the outcome of these discussions remains unclear. The ex-prince also appears focused on ensuring that his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, retain their royal titles and status.

This situation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Andrew’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Fresh allegations, including those detailed in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, have intensified public attention on his past conduct and contributed to the royal family’s insistence on his departure.

The standoff illustrates the delicate balance the monarchy must maintain between family loyalty and public accountability, and it underscores the ongoing challenges of managing reputational risks within the royal institution.

Sources:

• Ex-Prince Andrew ‘digging his heels in’ on royal eviction: Biographer