Monarch shares heartfelt memory amid ongoing dispute over royal residence
King Charles III has released a touching video message reflecting on a cherished childhood memory, marking his first public statement since the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, and Sarah Ferguson left the Royal Lodge for a brief stay at Windsor Castle.
The video, shared by Buckingham Palace, is part of the Coronation Girls documentary, which aired this Christmas in Canada. The documentary highlights the story of 50 Canadian women who attended Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 as teenagers.
In the clip, the King recalls his mother’s coronation, saying, "The King recalls a special childhood memory ahead of his mother’s Coronation in 1953…" The documentary also captures a heartwarming moment from 2023 when Charles hosted a surprise tea for twelve of the women at Buckingham Palace during their visit to London.
The release of this video comes shortly after Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s departure from Royal Lodge, which has been a source of tension between the King and his brother. Charles has urged Andrew to relocate to Frogmore Cottage due to the high maintenance costs of the Lodge, but the Duke of York has reportedly resisted the move, citing his attachment to the property.
The Royal Lodge dispute continues against the backdrop of the King’s ongoing battle with cancer, adding emotional weight to his request for Andrew to downsize. However, the Duke remains steadfast in his decision, leaving the future of the residence uncertain.
While the family navigates these challenges, the King’s video message offers a poignant reminder of the shared history and traditions that bind the royal family together.
