With its peeling paint and cracked brickwork, it seems a far cry from a royal residence. But this is Prince Andrew’s home in Windsor, in an image that risks reigniting his row with King Charles over the repair bill.
The Mail revealed last year that the King wants to evict Andrew from Royal Lodge and move him to a more modest property.
Sources said His Majesty has made clear he is unwilling to pay indefinitely for his brother to be guarded around the clock at the 19th-century, Grade II-listed property, which has a pool and 90 acres of land.
The security bill alone is estimated to be costing Charles more than £3 million ($AUD5.6 million) a year.
The disgraced duke, who has no apparent income, is said to be unable to meet the £400,000-a-year ($AUD758,344) upkeep of the property. But he has refused to leave the Queen mother’s 30-room former home.
It was reported in October that he did a deal to stay at the lodge, where he lives with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, if he kept up repairs.
A source told the Sunday mirror: “The Duke of York has a clear responsibility for the upkeep of the Royal Lodge estate, which is certainly not happening.
“The state of the residence will be of great concern to the King after everything that has gone on and been discussed in regards to the house. Prince Andrew was told he must take charge of the necessary renovations or he will have no cause to stay.”
Buckingham Palace and the Crown Estate declined to comment.