Prince Andrew could move into St James’ Palace after being‘evicted’ from Buckingham Palace, according to reports.
The disgraced Duke of York, 62, is no longer allowed to use his sleeping quarters or his office in the main royal residence – nor can he use it as a corresponding address, it was reported.
It comes after Andrew, the lateQueen’s second son, stepped down from public life in 2019 amid the fallout from hisBBC interview over his connections to the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The Queen also stripped Andrew of his military affiliations and patronages in the wake of sexual assault allegations made against him by Virginia Giuffre.
Ms Giuffre, now 38, claimed she was forced into sex at 17 with the Duke by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, the media heiress who is serving20 years behind bars for sex-trafficking girls for Epstein.
Andrew denied the allegations against him and latercame to an out of court settlement, reportedly worth £12 million, with Ms Giuffre. The settlement is not an admission of guilt.
NowThe Sun reports that the Duke has been told if he wants to sleep in London, he must move into new accommodation, with nearby St James’ Palace a possible option.
Anne, Princess Royal,Princess Beatrice and Princess Alexandra already live at the mansion – which has hosted a series of important royal events over the past 300 years.
The palace stages important ceremonial and constitutional functions, including playing host to the Accession Council, which last year proclaimed King Charles as the new monarch.
Recently,Prince Louis’ christening was held in the grounds in 2018 – while his parentsPrince William andKate Middleton posed for their engagement photos there in 2011.
One of St James’ Palace’s most significant features is the Chapel Royal. Many royal weddings have taken place in the Chapel, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s nuptials in 1840.
The Palace was built mainly between 1531 and 1536 by Henry VIII. Built in the Tudor style, the red brick palace has four storeys.
Outstanding British people awarded MBEs and OBEs sometimes collect their honours from St James Palace – while young people occasionally are presented with their Duke of Edinburgh awards there.
One reception room where guests are entertained is decorated with a burgundy red carpet with distinct patterns, with matching curtains held open by gold braids. The deep burgundy wallpaper features an intricate pattern while a number of impressive gold-framed oil paintings hang on the walls.
St James’ Palace was the official residence of many monarchs, including King George I and King George II, for more than 300 years.
When King George III took to the throne, he found the mansion unsuitable and preferred staying at Buckingham Palace, around the corner. Queen Victoria made Buckingham Palace the monarch's official residence when she took to the throne.
Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a £369 million, ten-year rebuilding project that includes renovating Prince Andrew’s suite, known as the Chamber Floor.
The Duke of York’s treasured possessions have been shifted out while the work takes place, according to reports, and they will not return now his older brother Charles is King.
OK! has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.
Recently it has been reported that Andrew isgearing up to launch a £10million legal case in a bid to overturn his multi-million pound settlement with Virginia Giuffre. Sources say the Duke wants to prove his innocence in court after being "pressured into settling".
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