'Freeloader' Prince Andrew's Protection Plea: Duke's 'Real Problem' Exiting the Royal Lodge Is Resentment for King Charles Refusing to Fund Security Detail

The main issue in Prince Andrew and King Charles III's feud over the Royal Lodge is reportedly not even the former's desire to stay in the opulent mansion!

Royal reporter Michael Cole revealed that Andrew's "real problem is that the King, who has been paying for his security detail at Royal Lodge, is coming to an end. The [security] contract has been terminated."

The "siege of Royal Lodge" has been raging ever since the monarch came to the throne two years ago. The rift shows no signs of ending, even though the head of state is "cranking up the pressure" to boot the "rotund" 64-year-old disgraced royal from the compound.

"Andrew has to take care of the upkeep of the building," Cole shared. "When you have an old rambling house like that one, it's very expensive to maintain."

It is believed that one of King Charles' latest tactics to kick his younger brother was to allow his security detail to come to an end in the next few months. Cole thinks this is His Majesty's way of "sending a signal" to his sibling that he is "no longer playing around with the freeloader," as one palace insider shared.

Due to his past shocking assault claims, the prince has been described by many as "certainly needing strong security."

Cole continued, "It's a huge expense over the year, and it's a question for Prince Andrew. He wants the protection, he believes that he deserves it. So who is going to pay?"

The King's reported main wish to end the rift is to see Andrew move into the much more economical Frogmore Cottage, which was renovated for now-booted ex-residents Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. One insider claimed the "portly" prince with "champagne and caviar tastes" was not moving into the Sussex's (now former) "old pile of s---."

Nevertheless, Cole further observed, "Frogmore Cottage is not such a problem because it's closer to Windsor Castle, and it is within the security boundary of the castle, so it wouldn't be such a problem to be able to accomplish it."

Circling back to "Randy Andy's" obsession with royal hierarchy, Cole stated, "I think it's a question of status. Prince Andrew is very well aware of his status as the late Queen's second son, and he doesn't want to," leave the Royal Lodge.

The Duke of York has lived in the "jewel in the royal residential portfolio" since 2003 when Queen Elizabeth II arranged a 75-year lease for the Duke. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, moved into the mansion in 2008 and became what one source described as "his roommate."

It is widely believed that the prince will eventually not be able to maintain the estate and live within its spacious confines without proper security.

GBN spoke with Cole.