Prince Andrew has been offered a palace in Abu Dhabi by the city’s ruler, sources claim, as his time at Royal Lodge appears to be coming to an end.
The disgraced royal and King Charles are understood to be in advanced talks about vacating his palatial Windsor estate as scandals continue to mount.
Last week, Andrew surrendered the use of his titles, including the Duke of York, amid persistent public scrutiny relating to his relationship to Jeffrey Epstein and links to China.
Following the move, the Prince is now in discussions with his brother about downsizing from the 30-room Royal Lodge, where he has lived effectively rent free since 2003.
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As crunch talks about where to relocate Andrew remain ongoing, he appears to have been received a lifeline from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Sources suggest the royal has been offered a “palace” as an alternative accommodation away from the storm of public scrutiny at home in the UK.
Andrew’s courtesy towards Emirati royalty during his tenure as Britain's trade envy is understood to have kept him in the good graces of the Middle Eastern state.
“Abu Dhabi’s royal family have made it clear to Andrew that the palace is his if he wants it. It gives him an option should his position in the UK become untenable,” an insider revealed.
Prince Andrew has been offered a 'palace' in Abu Dhabi as his exit from Royal Lodge appears close
|GETTY
“He has come under enormous pressure following recent developments and the King and Prince William are nearing the point where they’ve had enough,” they explained.
The fully staffed accommodation offered to Andrew spans more than 1,500 square metres within the city’s protected diplomatic quarter, featuring six bedrooms with private bathrooms, climate control and private chefs.
Additional facilities include a private gym with a pool, entertainment theatre, and expansive kitchen areas.
However, the source warned that the punishing heat of the Arab peninsula may take some time to adjust to, should he and his former wife Sarah Ferguson take up the Sheikh’s offer.
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Andrew may take refuge from the media storm in the UK in the sun-baked Middle Eastern city
|GETTY
“Andrew would be afforded every luxury if he makes the move to the UAE but the climate will take him — and Fergie — some time to get used to.
“Temperatures often top 50C in the summer, meaning he would have to spend much of his time with air conditioning indoors,” the insider told The Sun.
GB News has approached representatives for Prince Andrew and the Abu Dhabi Media Office for comment.
The news comes as it emerged on Friday that Prince Andrew and King Charles were locked in advanced negotiations over his future at Royal Lodge.
Last week, Andrew surrendered his title as Duke of York amid mounting scandals
|GETTY
Although the royal had initially resisted, pointing to five decades remaining on his prepaid tenancy, palace insiders now feel there is increasing acceptance that relocation is unavoidable.
His "cast iron" lease presents legal obstacles to eviction, prompting Buckingham Palace to pursue voluntary surrender instead.
Key obstacles remaining in the negotiations are securing financial settlements for Andrew's substantial investments in the Grade-II listed property and where to relocate both the Prince and Sarah Ferguson.
A number of alternatives have been offered, including at Sandringham and Balmoral, which are already believed to be a throny issue for both Andrew and Fergie.
If he was to choose to vacate Royal Lodge, the Crown Estate would also be expected to foot a daunting £558,000 owed to Prince Andrew for his upkeep of the estate.
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