Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly urging Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge within days, as they prepare to relocate to Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be looking forward to settling into their new eight-bedroom “forever home” in the coming weeks and want Royal Lodge cleared before their arrival.

Concerns Over Proximity to Andrew

“Catherine shudders at the thought of living so close to Royal Lodge while Prince Andrew is still in it,” a source told the Daily Mail. “William wants him gone before they start to move in next week. It’s not about what Andrew doesn’t want to do anymore. It’s about what he’s going to be told to do.”

Initially, William and Kate had reportedly hoped to move into Royal Lodge itself. But after Andrew refused to leave, they were forced to temporarily settle into Adelaide Cottage, a modest four-bedroom residence, in August 2022. “Them going into Adelaide Cottage was never the plan,” the source added. “But they were forced to because Prince Andrew wouldn’t shift.”

Plans for Forest Lodge

Now firmly focused on moving into Forest Lodge, the couple is said to be preparing Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis for the transition. The property offers a more peaceful environment away from intense public attention and significantly more space than their current home.

Meanwhile, pressure is building on Prince Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, to leave Royal Lodge. Public frustration has resurfaced over the “peppercorn rent” arrangement that has allowed Andrew to live there at almost no cost for more than twenty years.

The Royal Lodge Lease

Andrew holds a “cast iron” 75-year lease on Royal Lodge, signed in 2003. At that time, he paid a £1 million fee for the lease and contributed £7.5 million toward renovations, which were completed in 2005. Since then, documents show he has only been required to pay a symbolic rent of “one peppercorn per year,” and only if requested — a sum reportedly valued at around £1.

A source told The Times that King Charles is under pressure to take decisive action, claiming: “[He] should say to Andrew’s face, ‘There’s no choice here. You must leave Royal Lodge. Whatever the lease says. You say you always put your family and country first. Prove it.’”

Allegations and Ongoing Controversy

Calls for Andrew’s removal have intensified following the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, which includes allegations of sexual assault against him. Although Andrew has consistently denied the claims, the case led to a civil lawsuit in the U.S. in 2021. An out-of-court settlement was reached in early 2022 for an undisclosed amount, with Andrew insisting it was not an admission of guilt or liability.

On October 17, Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew would relinquish his remaining royal titles and honors, including the Duke of York title granted to him in 1986.

Negotiations Continue

Discussions reportedly continue between Prince Andrew’s team and representatives of King Charles. New reports suggest Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have put forward a proposal — offering Royal Lodge in exchange for Frogmore Cottage and Adelaide Cottage.

Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.