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Kensington Palace has broken its silence following sensational claims that Prince William threatened to strip Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie of their royal titles if their father refused to leave Royal Lodge.
The allegation, made earlier this week by journalist Emily Maitlis, suggested that the Prince of Wales had issued his cousins with a stern ultimatum in an attempt to pressure Prince Andrew into vacating his 30-room Windsor residence.
Speaking on her News Agents podcast, Maitlis claimed there had been a meeting between William and the York sisters, during which he allegedly warned Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, that their titles as princesses could be “re-examined” if they did not act.
However, Kensington Palace has now categorically denied the story, insisting that no such meeting ever took place.
According to The Mirror, Kensington Palace clarified that Prince William, 43, would not have the authority to revoke his cousins’ titles, as only the reigning monarch has that power.
The clarification marks the latest development in the ongoing Royal Lodge saga, as pressure mounts on Prince Andrew, 65, to vacate his 30-room Windsor mansion amid continuing backlash over his past ties to the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Although Andrew has already relinquished the use of his royal titles — while continuing to deny all allegations against him — public opinion remains firmly against him. A recent YouGov poll suggests that many Britons do not believe the King’s brother should continue living in the lavish Crown Estate property.
Despite holding a lease on Royal Lodge until 2078, sources say Andrew is now open to the idea of downsizing and moving into a smaller royal residence, in an effort to finally draw a line under years of controversy.
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Reports suggest that Prince Andrew has set his sights on Frogmore Cottage as a possible new home, while his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson — who has shared Royal Lodge with him for years — is said to be interested in nearby Adelaide Cottage.
Rumours that the former couple have requested two separate royal residences have only fuelled public frustration, sparking further criticism of the pair’s perceived sense of entitlement.
Buckingham Palace has so far declined to comment on the future of Royal Lodge or confirm where the disgraced Duke may eventually relocate.
