Prince Andrew has become a ‘recluse’ and rarely leaves ‘cluttered’ Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew has become a little bit “reclusive” and rarely leaves Royal Lodge as the row over his future at the huge mansion rumbles on.

Recent photographs from the property showed exterior walls riddled with mould and structural cracks that one expert said could be a sign of . Mail on Sunday Editor at Large Charlotte Griffiths called it “a little bit scruffy” as she detailed the possibility that some internal changes could be made.

Charlotte said Andrew had become “a little bit reclusive” in recent times and “only goes riding once in a while”. She says the Duke of York “doesn’t have a huge social life anymore”.

Charlotte’s comments come as Andrew continues to be embroiled in a row with his brother, King Charles, after he was said to . Andrew signed a 75-year lease with the Crown Estate to live at the property in 2003, but part of it stipulates that he must pay for its upkeep.

In recent months it has been reported that the King has both cut off Andrew’s million-pound-a-year living allowance as well as ceased the funding of his private security team. However, Andrew was able to find financial help in the source of an anonymous donor.

Discussing the anonymous benefactor, News.Au reporter Bronte Coy said: “They’ve said that the source is legitimate but I don’t know what that means. I don’t know who this person is and also why and also for how long they make payments. That’s the big question.”

Bronte believes Andrew’s triumph could be short-lived: “I’d say he’s won the battle… but has he won the war long term? Well depends on who this person is that’s paying.”

Andrew stepped down as a working royal and was stripped of his HRH titles and patronages after concerns were raised about his ties with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Although Andrew may have won a stay of execution with a late injection of funding from anonymous benefactor, the King is still considering further manoeuvres, including the removal of treasure from the property according to royal author Robert Hardman.

Mr Hardman told Palace Confidential: “The Royal Collection, which owns quite a lot of the treasures inside there, may say, ‘Well, we can’t be confident that this place is safe anymore. They’ll start taking the paintings and some of the furniture away.”

Previously, Express.co.uk reported that Andrew’s daughters, and are said to have joined forces with their father. They are said to have “drawn up a battle plan” to help.

The sisters are said to be of their father. The plan, which is said to be led by in support, looks to avoid the fall” of their family and mitigate against negative publicity.

The source explained: “The York family have held several meetings and drawn up a battle plan. They will not allow their family to fall or come up against any more negative press.

“It’s very much a charge led by Beatrice… She’s extremely loyal and has taken the reins. Beatrice and Eugenie are rallying around to help support their father.

“Royal Lodge is viewed as a York family problem, not just an Andrew problem and the whole family are chipping in – that includes Sarah, Beatrice and Eugenie.”

The Palace has been approached for comment.