Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths has claimed Prince Andrew’s association with an alleged Chinese spy marks the “final nail in the coffin” for his hopes of staying at Royal Lodge.
Speaking on GB News, Griffiths addressed the ongoing dispute over the Duke of York’s residence at the Windsor estate.
The latest controversy emerged after Yang Tengbo, described as having an “unusual degree of trust” with the prince, was named as an alleged Chinese spy and banned from entering the UK.
The Duke has already withdrawn from this year’s royal Christmas celebrations at Sandringham following the scandal.
Prince Andrew
PA
Speaking to GB News, Griffiths said: “The siege of Royal Lodge has been something we’ve talked about all year. Every time Charles has made a move to cut Andrew off, he has found a way around it.”
“Charles has been outfoxed by his brother,” she added, noting the embarrassment of the Chinese spy scandal and people moving “in and out of Royal Lodge undetected.”
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Charlotte Griffiths joined Cameron Walker on GB News
GB NEWS
The controversy comes amid reported attempts by King Charles to evict Andrew from the 30-room mansion in Windsor.
Royal commentator Sarah Louise Robertson predicted “mounting pressure” on Andrew to relocate next year, though she noted he wouldn’t be “left out in the cold.”
Instead of joining the royal gathering at Sandringham, Andrew will spend Christmas at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
His daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, had initially planned to spend the day with their respective in-laws.
Charlotte Griffiths says Andrew has suffered the ‘final nail in the coffin’
GB NEWS
However, pregnant Princess Beatrice reportedly changed plans at the last minute after being advised against overseas travel.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “I don’t think he’s going to go to Sandringham ever again.”
The Duke was recently spotted driving alone near Windsor Castle ahead of what looks set to be a quieter festive period.
Griffiths insisted Andrew’s position at Royal Lodge is now “untenable” and urged him to move to Frogmore Cottage.
“He has got to move to Frogmore Cottage,” she told GB News. “By the way, who wouldn’t want to move there? It sounds wonderful.”
The royal commentator praised the alternative residence as “very stylish, very modern, very warm.”
“I’d say to him to embrace Frogmore Cottage. I mean, I certainly would,” Griffiths added.
Meanwhile, royal historian Andrew Lownie revealed Andrew may soon divide his time between the UK and Abu Dhabi, where he has been given use of a palace.