Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, is said to be providing complications in the Royal Family’s negotiations over the future of Royal Lodge.
Andrew is currently locked in advanced talks with King Charles over his and Fergie’s continued residency in the 30-room Windsor home.
Last week, both Andrew and Fergie surrendered the use of their titles as the Duke and Duchess of York amid mounting scandals relating to their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
This further increased public pressure for the pair to vacate Royal Lodge, where they have lived, effectively rent free, since 2003.
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While the couple divorced in 1996, they have continued to cohabitate at the palatial Windsor property.
As such, their living arrangements have been said to add complications to ongoing negotiations about where the pair should be relocated, reported The Telegraph.
It is currently unclear if Fergie would accompany Andrew to a new home, itself a thorny issue in the crunch talks, or find somewhere separate for herself.
Earlier this year, Sarah sold her £4.25million terraced property in Belgravia which means a new residence will need to be found if she and Andrew leave Royal Lodge - regardless of her accompanying her former husband or not.
Sarah Ferguson is said to be complicating negotiations with Prince Andrew over giving up Royal Lodge
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Regarding the negotiations with Andrew, the most likely candidates for alternative accommodation are believed to be found among the King’s privately-owned properties.
Among these, the estates of Sandringham in Norfolk or Balmoral in Aberdeenshire are considered the frontrunners, where Andrew could live in one of the many self-contained homes on the grounds.
Being private homes of the monarch, such an arrangement would allow him to live rent-free without further cost to the taxpayer.
While Andrew is understood to be resisting moves away from Windsor, it is unknown what influence Fergie wields over the situation.
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It is currently unknown if Fergie would accompany Andrew to a new residence or require a seperate location
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On Friday, it emerged that Andrew and King Charles are deep in talks over his future at Royal Lodge.
Although Prince Andrew initially resisted, pointing to five decades remaining on his prepaid tenancy, Palace insiders now detect increasing acceptance that relocation is unavoidable.
His "cast iron" lease presents legal obstacles to eviction, prompting Buckingham Palace to pursue voluntary surrender instead.
A key sticking point in the negotiations remains the payment of a financial settlement to Andrew over his substantial investments in the Grade-II listed palatial residence.
Earlier this year, Fergie sold her £4.25million terraced property in Belgravia
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Records indicate that the Prince entered into a 75-year lease for the property in 2003, making an initial payment of £1m.
According to a National Audit Office report, he was additionally obligated to contribute £7.5m towards renovations that were finalised in 2005.
The lease documentation reveals that should the prince surrender the property, the Crown Estate would owe him approximately £558,000.
He would receive annual payments of £185,865 until 2028, marking the agreement's 25th year.
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