Prince Andrew hires 'cheap security firm' in row with King Charles

Prince Andrew has hired a "cheap security firm" at Royal Lodge after refusing to leave the 30-room mansion. The disgraced Royal Family member has been embroiled in a furious spat with King Charles over vacating the premises in the wake of his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview four years ago.

Charles told Andrew that his £1million annual allowance, which he used to fund his security and lifestyle, would finally be axed. It is now reported that the Duke of York has negotiated a cheaper protection deal at his leased home in an attempt to stay at the property.

A source said: "He has his security but at a cheaper rate and he is managing to finance it himself." They continued to tell the Sun: "He has dug his heels in and is refusing to move so found a way to finance his security. How sustainable in the long term, then who knows how long he can do it for?"

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Author Andrew Lownie, writing a book on the Duke of York, told The Sun: "Prince Andrew is likely to have many forms of income." Though Andrew has a long lease with the Crown Estate with a peppercorn rent, he is required to ensure the upkeep of the building.

But Andrew refuses to move aware this is the last bit of status he retains as a member of the Royal Family and he is keen to pass it on to one of his daughters, the Mail reported. Speaking to OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond questioned: "I wonder why he is allowing himself to be so humiliated?”

She continues: “He could live at Frogmore, which has enough room for Fergie and the rest of the family to visit when they want. It is close to the castle and it would give him the chance to calm down relations with his brother, so what is stopping him? Status. He is hung up on image and grandeur."