Real reason why Prince Andrew refuses to give up his Royal Lodge home

Prince Andrew has kicked off repairs at Royal Lodge, with a source disclosing that the Duke of York is eager to cling to his residence as a "status symbol".

Work seems to be underway at the Windsor estate, as scaffolding and skips have been seen on site, suggesting that the disgraced royal has started the costly repairs, believed to be setting him back £20,000.

Despite the hefty costs associated with maintaining Royal Lodge and lacking a formal income, the duke is apparently undeterred, as an insider revealed that it's not about the finances for Andrew.

The insider told the Express: "Andrew is determined to hold onto Royal Lodge at any cost. He will find the money from somewhere.

"For him, it's a status symbol, the last vestige of Royal prestige he's got. The only way he's leaving is in a box", reports the Express.

Royal staff have cheekily nicknamed Royal Lodge 'The Money Pit', echoing the title of the 1986 comedy film starring Tom Hanks, which centres on a couple sinking funds into a dilapidated house.

Since taking up residence in 2003, Andrew has poured substantial sums into the property's upkeep, including the current painting work priced at around £20,000.

In the previous year, the Duke is said to have shelled out £200,000 for roof repairs, which was reportedly just an "interim payment", and he must continue to cover these expenses to retain his lease.

Under a 75-year lease agreement for Royal Lodge, the duke is obliged to pay for all maintenance and repairs while enjoying a relatively low rent.

According to the lease terms, the exterior walls of the property are to be repainted every five years, while the interior gets its makeover every seven years.

The exterior was set for a revamp last year but it's behind schedule causing Royal Lodge to appear shabbily, with moss spreading on the outside walls.

Providing specifics about the repairs, the source explained: "The exterior paintwork could only be looked at once the weather improved and that is a task usually conducted every five years."

"Repairs to the roof were undertaken last summer, and the paintwork and windows will receive care and attention this year. Andrew is trying to keep within the terms of his lease."

"Everything is being brought up to date by the end of this summer. Works have been in the pipeline for quite some time, hence why the scaffolding and skips have already been placed on the property and work began this week."

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