Big news coming out of the palace lately. Honestly, if you've been following the headlines this week, it feels like the British monarchy is hitting a massive "reset" button. Between King Charles's health updates and the drama surrounding Royal Lodge, there’s a lot to wade through.
Basically, 2026 is turning out to be the year where the "slimmed-down monarchy" stops being a theory and starts being a very awkward, very public reality.
The Royal Lodge Eviction: It's Actually Happening
You’ve probably seen the snippets about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. For months, it was just "palace sources" whispering about him leaving his 30-room home at Royal Lodge. Now? It’s real. Moving vans have literally been spotted at the property.
The deadline is January 25.
That is less than two weeks away.
What most people get wrong is thinking this is just a petty squabble over a lease. It’s deeper. Prince William is reportedly the "strongest proponent" for this distance, according to royal expert Hilary Fordwich. He’s looking at the long game. For William, the monarchy's survival depends on trust, and having Andrew—who was stripped of his HRH style and titles last October—living in a massive taxpayer-adjacent estate just doesn't fit the vibe of 2026.
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And then there's Sarah Ferguson. Interestingly, she isn't moving with him to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate. She’s looking at her own options, maybe even Princess Eugenie’s place in Portugal. It’s the end of an era for that household.
Why the King’s "Reduced Treatment" is a Big Deal
On the health front, we finally got some clarity. King Charles III released a pre-recorded message recently for Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer. He looked good, but he was incredibly candid.
He’s officially moving into a "precautionary phase."
This means his cancer treatments are being reduced this year. He called it a "personal blessing," and honestly, it’s a huge relief for the institution. While he’s not using the word "remission" yet, the fact that he's stepping up his public-facing duties—like opening the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in London—shows a pivot from survival to stability.
Kate Middleton and the "Casual" Royal
While the King focuses on recovery, the Princess of Wales is busy rewriting the rulebook. On January 15, she showed up for her first solo engagement of the year at Windsor Castle to meet the England women's rugby team.
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The kicker? She drove herself.
In 4-inch stilettos.
It’s a small thing, but it sends a massive message about her desire to be "relatable." During a joint visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8, she even introduced her husband as just "William." No "His Royal Highness," no "Prince of Wales." Just a guy named William.
This isn't accidental. The couple recently hired a new crisis management PR expert, Liza Ravenscroft. They are clearly bracing for what some are calling "Project Thaw"—the rumored attempts by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to reintegrate into UK life.
The "Project Thaw" Tension
Speaking of Harry, he’s due back in London next week for his High Court claim against Associated Newspapers. If you're expecting a family reunion, don't hold your breath.
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- Distance: William and Kate are scheduled to be in Scotland (at the National Curling Academy in Stirling) exactly when Harry is in London.
- Security: There’s talk that the government might reinstate Harry’s automatic armed police protection. If that happens, it changes everything for the 2026 Invictus Games.
- The Vibe: It's frosty. Very frosty.
What’s Actually Next?
If you’re trying to keep track of where this goes, keep an eye on these specific milestones.
First, watch the January 25 deadline. If Andrew isn't out of Royal Lodge by then, it indicates a major breakdown in palace discipline.
Second, look for the release of Russell Myers’ new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, next month. It’s the first joint biography in a decade and is expected to cover everything from the "Cambridge Way" to Kate’s cancer journey.
Finally, keep an eye on Prince George. He turns 13 this July and starts senior school in September. Whether he goes to Eton (William’s school) or Marlborough (Kate’s school) will tell us a lot about how the "modern" royals view tradition versus a more grounded upbringing.
For now, the best way to stay informed is to follow the Official Royal Diary for future engagements, as they usually post those about eight weeks out. This helps you separate the tabloid rumors from where the royals are actually putting in the work.