King Charles Funds Brother Andrew's Royal Lodge Repairs Amid Own Financial Scrutiny

King Charles III was seen attending a church service near Balmoral Estate just days after reports surfaced that he paid a significant sum to cover repairs for his brother Prince Andrew's residence, the Royal Lodge. The monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, were photographed driving to Crathie Church in Aberdeenshire on a Sunday morning.

Royal Lodge Repairs

The £1.5 million payment from King Charles is understood to cover dilapidations at the Royal Lodge, a sprawling Windsor mansion. Prince Andrew, who lived at the property rent-free for over two decades, was reportedly required to pay £1.8 million for repairs needed before the lease could be reassigned. However, due to the early termination of his lease, a portion of this amount, approximately £302,000, was discounted, leaving a balance of £1.5 million.

It has been reported that the King felt an obligation to cover this cost from his private income to prevent any burden on taxpayers. The repairs include work on the main house and garden areas. Prince Andrew had previously funded £7.5 million in refurbishments when he took over the property in 2003.

Prince Andrew's Legal Battles

This financial arrangement emerges amid Prince Andrew's ongoing legal challenges. The former Duke of York, who was previously evicted from the Royal Lodge, is involved in a High Court dispute concerning evidence seized during police raids on two of his properties in February. These raids were conducted as part of an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office, stemming from his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing.

Buckingham Palace has previously stated that King Charles makes provisions for Prince Andrew that would otherwise fall to the public purse. The recent repairs at the Royal Lodge, a property Andrew shared with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, highlight the ongoing financial arrangements within the royal family.

Royal Family Engagements

King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to Crathie Church is a regular occurrence for the royal family, especially when staying at nearby Balmoral Castle. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children were also seen attending services there in August.