Andrew and Fergie Live in Their Own ‘Weird Fantasy World,’ Expert Says Over Couple's Bold Demand
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have finally bowed to mounting pressure and given up their coveted titles. According to reports, the former Duke and Duchess of York have also agreed to vacate Royal Lodge, but not without demanding two royal homes in exchange. While Andrew has his sights set on Frogmore Cottage, Ferguson has allegedly requested Adelaide Cottage. Weighing in on the same, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams criticized the Yorks' two-home dream, noting it reflected that they are still living in a 'fantasy world.'
In a conversation with the Daily Mail, Fitzwilliams argued, "If they think that having two homes — which the King, I'm sure, won't agree to — is likely to solve things, they're still living in a rather weird fantasy world. I'm surprised that Sarah Ferguson has managed these comebacks." The expert pointed out that since the former Duchess has not been a working royal since 1992, she should not be entitled to any property from the Crown Estate. He added, "There's no reason at all that she should [have her own Crown Estate] home. This is an idea that Andrew has had to give up the 30-room Royal Lodge. Well, let's have two. I don't see it working."
Commenting on the immense pressure Andrew and Ferguson are facing to leave Royal Lodge, Fitzwilliams highlighted their double standards in wanting to live separately. He slammed, "This was the couple who, Sarah Ferguson boasted, were the 'happiest divorced couple in the world.' It seems they now want to separate." According to him, now that the Yorks' 'cover is blown' they wish to live apart, hinting at a strain in their so-called cordial bond. Explaining the other side of their seemingly friendly relationship, he opined, "The world can clearly see that the previous arrangement was designed to maximize the benefit of Andrew's public life for them privately."
In a separate interview, Fitzwilliam stressed that Andrew's reluctance to leave Royal Lodge boiled down to his mindset. He told GB News that the disgraced Prince failed to look at things with a more balanced view. He said, "He's [Andrew] under terrific pressure. It's perfectly obvious that despite the cast-iron lease, he was going to move from Royal Lodge in one way or another." Fitzwilliam's remarks hint at Andrew's reluctant acceptance, as his departure feels less like a choice and more like the Palace finally tightening the drawstring. As a part of that so-called tightening, Charles has reportedly cut his embattled brother's annual allowance, making the upkeep of Royal Lodge impossible.
Andrew and Ferguson's alleged bold demand was first made public by The Sun. A friend of the couple revealed, "Andy is willing to leave, but these are his demands. He knows the writing is on the wall and that his time at Royal Lodge is up. If he must go, then he has asked for Frogmore Cottage." The revelation may come as a sigh of relief to Prince William and Kate Middleton, who are allegedly unhappy at the thought of living close to the Yorks.