In a significant move to streamline royal expenses, King Charles has effectively removed a longstanding financial obligation from his personal accounts.
This decision, recently unveiled by a royal insider, is seen as a pragmatic shift for the monarchy. A source revealed, “The Duke is no longer a financial burden on the King.” This change marks a critical point in the Royal Family's finances, suggesting an intentional restructuring of royal responsibilities and expenses.
According to The Sun, royal expert and author Hugo Vickers commented on the matter, noting that "Andrew has been pushed out of everything else and doesn't undertake any royal duties." He highlighted that Prince Andrew no longer participates in any official activities, including military regiments, charities, or other forms of public service. Vickers further clarified, “I don’t think the King is being vindictive,” emphasizing that this adjustment aligns with King Charles's efforts to delineate family finances from the expenses allocated for public duties.
One of the motivations behind this decision, according to Vickers, may be King Charles’s desire to separate personal family expenses from the public funding used to support royal duties. Since Prince Andrew no longer performs any public roles—a position similar to that of Prince Harry—he is now excluded from accessing funds intended for royal responsibilities.
Reflecting on the implications of this decision, Vickers speculated that Prince Andrew might feel uncertain about his future within the royal estates. “What else are they going to do to me? Chuck me out of the house that I'm happy to live in?” he questioned. However, Vickers also suggested that a more modest lifestyle might benefit the Duke, especially considering his current lack of public responsibilities. “I’ve always thought it would be much more sensible if he lived more modestly,” he remarked.
Vickers further noted that, if Queen Elizabeth had been alive, she might have encouraged Prince Andrew to secure an independent residence. “Perhaps if the Queen had lived, she might have discussed with him the possibility of either her or him purchasing a property, allowing him to live independently and without reliance on royal resources,” he suggested.
Summing up his insights, Vickers hinted that this financial shift could indicate that Prince Andrew received a sufficient inheritance from Queen Elizabeth to sustain an independent lifestyle.
