King Charles ‘threatens to sever all ties with Prince Andrew’ if the disgraced duke continues to refuse to leave the Royal Lodge for new home in Frogmore Cottage

King Charles has threatened to sever ties with Prince Andrew if the disgraced duke continues to refuse to leave Royal Lodge for his new home in Frogmore Cottage, a friend of the King has claimed.

The duke, who no longer has official duties after being forced to quit over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, shares the 30-room, £30million mansion with his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York.

The King has long been trying to get his brother – who has no apparent source of income – to leave the Windsor mansion amid rumours the Prince of Wales is keen to take up residence in the property to reflect his role as heir to the throne.

While sources close to the King said he is willing to pay for his brother to live comfortably out of his private funds from the Duchy of Lancaster, the level of funding needs to be appropriate.

A friend of the King told The Times: ‘Unfortunately, if Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable time frame, then the King may be forced to reassess the whole package of support he provides and the duke would be required to fund the lion’s share of his security, accommodation and lifestyle costs all on his own – which, given the sums involved, is highly unlikely to be possible in the long term.

‘Everyone is mindful of his well-being, and has his best interests at heart, but there are limits of patience and tolerance.’