King Charles has reportedly stepped in to take control of his brother Prince Andrew’s prized shotgun collection, with palace insiders claiming the weapons are now being kept “under lock and key” amid growing fears for the disgraced royal’s mental health.
Sources say the extraordinary move comes during what aides describe as a deeply unstable period for Andrew, 65, as he prepares to leave Royal Lodge — his longtime residence on the Windsor estate — and relocate to the far smaller Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
According to insiders, the decision was driven by concerns that Andrew, stripped of his royal titles and public duties following the scandal surrounding his links to Jeffrey Epstein, could pose a danger to himself or others as pressure mounts around him.
One palace source claimed King Charles assumed direct control of Andrew’s private gun collection after a tense intervention involving Metropolitan Police firearms officers and senior royal staff.
“This wasn’t a hypothetical concern,” the insider said. “People were genuinely worried about what might happen if his emotional state deteriorated further.”
Work crews have reportedly been seen refurbishing the five-bedroom Marsh Farm, while removal vans have begun arriving at the sprawling 31-room Royal Lodge — a clear sign that Andrew’s long-delayed downsizing is now unavoidable.
Sources say Andrew surrendered his gun license back in November, with the firearms transferred to the King rather than seized outright — an unusual step that underscores how sensitive the situation has become.
Another insider described the confrontation as explosive, claiming Andrew initially reacted with fury when told his weapons were being taken away.
“He felt humiliated and stripped of what little independence he had left,” the source said. “But after a very emotional exchange, it became clear the decision was final.”
The shotguns are now reportedly stored securely under the King’s authority, with one source bluntly adding that Andrew is “frazzled” and that there was real fear he could use a firearm to harm himself — or worse.
While Andrew may still be allowed supervised access to firearms kept in royal armories at Sandringham or Balmoral, insiders say the loss of his personal collection has hit him hard. Shooting has long been one of his passions, and its removal reportedly compounded the shock of being forced out of Royal Lodge.
“Everything in his life is contracting at once,” a source said. “The move to Marsh Farm symbolizes just how far he’s fallen, and it’s been devastating for him to process.”
The King’s handling of the situation has allegedly divided the royal family. Supporters insist Charles is acting responsibly, prioritizing safety both as a brother and as monarch. Critics, however, worry the cumulative effect of isolation, loss of status, and constant humiliation could push Andrew into an even darker place.
Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, is said to be helping him sort through personal belongings and sensitive documents ahead of the move. Friends claim she is deeply anxious about his ability to cope.
“Everything has happened so fast,” one friend said. “The pressure has been relentless, and Sarah is genuinely scared about how much more he can take.”
Insiders also claim Princess Anne and Prince Edward have privately voiced concerns, cautioning the King that firmness should not cross into cruelty — and warning that the current approach may already be pushing Andrew too far.
Well then I guess his former highness should have kept his PP in his pocket!!!
He’s known he was moving for months, and transferring to a FIVE EFFING BEDROOM house is FAR from downsizing. Whaaah!😭
All dem brits are nuts!