King Charles III to Support Prince Andrew Financially Amid Epstein Scandal Scrutiny

King Charles III has reportedly told palace officials he has 'no option' but to financially support his estranged brother, Prince Andrew, while 'containing' him at the Sandringham estate. Sources close to the monarchy confirmed the decision follows renewed public scrutiny after the release of new Epstein files. These documents reveal further details of Andrew's alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein, including an invitation to Buckingham Palace in 2010.

The eviction of Andrew from the seven-bedroom Royal Lodge at Windsor was expedited 'under the cover of darkness,' according to The Times. The move came after palace sources said the King wanted to 'remove him from the public gaze.' Andrew, 65, now resides at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, with plans to move permanently to Marsh Farm—a five-bedroom house undergoing renovations—by Easter.

A palace source told The Times: 'The King feels he has no other option than to provide for his brother, who will be privately funded on a private estate. Every time he's tried to support himself by independent means, it has led to greater trouble. Containing him is the hope.' Andrew, who was stripped of his titles in October 2022, has relied on private subsidies from the King for staff, living costs, and security since then.

Royal staff have been instructed they are not obligated to work for Andrew if they 'do not feel comfortable,' The Sun reported last week. This comes amid speculation that Andrew has struggled financially despite owning properties like Sunninghill Park, which he sold in 2007 for £15 million, and a Swiss chalet sold for £17 million in 2023.

Palace sources noted Andrew's financial troubles are compounded by a multi-million-pound out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre, who alleged Epstein trafficked her to Andrew. The settlement reportedly required private funds from the King and Queen, who covered the cost. Andrew has not publicly commented on these allegations.

The King's decision to accelerate Andrew's relocation from Royal Lodge was influenced by public backlash. A friend of the monarchy told The Times: 'The King is acutely aware of the public feeling. He doesn't need to be heckled to understand the mood of the nation.' Andrew had not paid rent on Royal Lodge for over two decades, despite leasing it in 2003 for £1 million and spending £7.5 million on renovations.

New Epstein files reveal Andrew invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010, shortly after Epstein's release from prison. The documents also include claims of a second woman being trafficked to Andrew, with photos showing him in Epstein's New York home. Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's former wife, has faced scrutiny for her own ties to Epstein, including emails referencing their daughter Princess Eugenie. She has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who divorced in 1992, have lived together at Royal Lodge for over two decades. However, Sarah will not relocate to Sandringham with Andrew, choosing to remain in Windsor. The King has faced mounting pressure to ensure Andrew testifies before the U.S. Congress about his relationship with Epstein, with Keir Starmer reportedly urging cooperation. The situation remains under intense media and public scrutiny.