Fresh controversy is brewing around Prince Andrew as new polling data suggests the British public overwhelmingly opposes the Duke of York continuing to reside in his lavish 30-room Royal Lodge residence in Windsor.
A recent Metro.co.uk poll revealed striking numbers, with a staggering 97% of respondents believing the disgraced royal should be stripped of his prestigious home. The findings come amid ongoing debates about the monarchy's finances and whether taxpayers should subsidise Andrew's lifestyle following his withdrawal from public duties.
Public Sentiment Turns Against Royal Privilege
The survey results paint a damning picture of public opinion toward the Queen's second son. Readers expressed strong views about the situation, with many questioning why Andrew continues to enjoy royal privileges despite stepping back from official duties following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and subsequent sexual assault allegations.
One reader commented: "He's been allowed to keep his home, his money, and his title - what exactly has he lost?" Another added: "It's an insult to every hard-working taxpayer funding this luxury."
The Royal Lodge Dilemma
The Grade II-listed Royal Lodge sits within Windsor Great Park and has been Andrew's home since 2004. The 30-room mansion underwent significant taxpayer-funded renovations, including a £7.5 million refurbishment, before the Duke moved in.
Questions about the property's future have intensified since Andrew settled a civil sexual assault case out of court in 2022. Despite losing his military affiliations and royal patronages, the Duke has reportedly been resisting pressure from King Charles to downsize to the smaller Frogmore Cottage.
Broader Implications for the Monarchy
This situation reflects wider challenges facing the modern monarchy as it attempts to balance tradition with contemporary public expectations. The polling data suggests that maintaining Andrew in his current accommodation could damage the Royal Family's reputation further at a time when support for the institution among younger generations appears to be declining.
As one poll respondent noted: "The Royal Family needs to show they understand public feeling. Keeping Andrew in a palace while ordinary people struggle with living costs sends entirely the wrong message."
The strength of public opinion revealed in this survey suggests this royal residence row is far from over, with potential implications for how the monarchy manages its properties and perceived privileges in the future.
