King Charles set to reward Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward - but Andrew won't be happy
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have stepped up amid some of the Royal Family's health concerns.
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward are reportedly in line for a significant reward from King Charles, as the monarch looks to recognize their increased contributions to the Crown.
Since being elevated to the titles of Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in 2023, the couple has stepped up their royal duties, with Prince Edward taking on 297 royal engagements last year, the third most of any royal, while Sophie completed 219 engagements.
According to new reports, King Charles may reward the couple by offering them Royal Lodge, a prominent property on the Windsor Estate currently occupied by Prince Andrew, Edward's older brother.
The King is reportedly keen for Andrew, who stepped down from official duties in 2019, to downsize and vacate the home he has lived in since 2003.
Writing for The Mail, royal commentator Richard Kay said: "Charles has entertained the thought of offering Royal Lodge to his youngest brother Prince Edward.
"The two haven't always seen eye to eye but the King has been hugely impressed by the manner in which Edward and his wife Sophie have increased their workload since their elevation to Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
"The couple have filled in the many gaps created by the absence of both Kate and himself while they underwent cancer treatment."
Sophie and Edward have lived in Bagshot Park, Surrey, since their wedding in 1999, where they raised their two children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.
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However, moving them into Royal Lodge could "dramatically disrupt family dynamics," especially given Prince Andrew’s reluctance to leave the property.
Andrew reportedly signed a 75-year lease in 2003 and is resisting efforts to be ousted, even as King Charles has taken steps such as removing Andrew's ten-man security detail.
The potential shift in living arrangements for the Edinburghs comes as the King looks to consolidate the royal family's resources and ensure that the most active members are appropriately housed.
