Prince Andrew has begun repairs on Royal Lodge, with an insider revealing that the disgraced Duke of York is desperate to hold onto his home to maintain his “status symbol”.

Scaffolding and skips have been spotted in the grounds of the Windsor mansion, indicating Andrew has embarked on the repairs which are estimated to be costing him £20,000.

The upkeep on Royal Lodge has already been vastly expensive for the Duke, who has no formal income, but a source told Express.co.uk that this is not a money issue for Andrew.

They explained the real reason for his resolve: “Andrew is determined to hold onto Royal Lodge at any cost. He will find the money from somewhere.

“It’s a status symbol for him, the last real show of royal power he has left. The only way he will leave that property is if he’s carried out in a wooden box.”

Royal Lodge has been dubbed ‘The Money Pit’ by royal staff in a nod to the 1986 Tom Hanks film about a run-down estate which costs millions to refurbish.

Since moving into the property in 2003 Andrew has spent a significant amount of money on repairs, with the current paint job costing around £20,000.

Last year the Duke reportedly paid £200,000 for roof repairs, a sum which was described as an “interim payment”, and is responsible for keeping up with costs if he wants to hold onto his lease.

The Duke signed a 75-year lease on Royal Lodge, which stipulates that he must fund all maintenance and repairs in exchange for a modest rent payment.

According to the lease the property’s external walls need to be repainted every five years and the inside walls need to be redecorated every seven years.

Much of the exterior decorating was due to take place last year and since it is behind schedule Royal Lodge looks deeply neglected, with moss growing on the outside.

The source gave Express.co.uk details about the repairs: “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.”