Andrew Windsor faced a tough deadline to leave the Royal Lodge before Easter

One source was sharply critical of Andrew’s behavior during the current standoff over when he will leave the 31-room Lodge.

They added: “It’s hard to say whether he’s deliberately stirring things up, being so stubborn as to even sabotage himself, or simply showing poor judgement.

“But for Andrew, all of these explanations would fit. He just seems unable to sit still, and time and time again he makes choices that only deepen his problems.

“He’s stacking boxes in the Lodge, complaining about when he’ll be able to move and so far not adhering to any of the King’s deadlines.”

Windsor has shared Royal Lodge with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 66, since their divorce and the pair remain close.

Neither attended the royal family’s traditional Christmas celebrations at Sandringham last year, highlighting their growing isolation from the rest of the family.

Another palace source said the Easter deadline for the couple to leave the Royal Lodge reflects a wider shift in the way they are treated by senior members of The Firm.

They added: “So far it has been one postponement after another. The King initially wanted Andrew gone by Christmas, but the deadline moved to February after Andrew complained that he needed extra time to handle his things.

“That tolerance has now run out. Easter is seen as the final frontier, with no room for delay. The era of patience is now over. Easter is now an immovable line in the sand for Andrew and Fergie.”