Prince Andrew’s persistence to stay in the Royal Lodge has a particularly “symbolic” meaning, according to a royal commentator.

The Duke of York has been refusing to leave the 30-bedroom property in Windsor, thought to be worth £30million.

But the royal has been struggling with the upkeep of the mansion, where he lives with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, as he is required to “repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and, where necessary, rebuild” the mansion, according to the 75-year lease agreement granted to him in 2003 by the Crown Estate.

Talk TV host Kevin O’Sullivan said: “[Andrew]has lost everything. And he doesn’t like it. Andrew thinks he should be allowed a way back [into the Fold], so him hanging on to the key of the Royal Lodge has become symbolic for him.”