King Charles locked Andrew Windsor’s shotguns due to fears of suicide

But others are concerned that the measures are putting far too much psychological pressure on Andrew.

“There is a real fear that cutting Andrew off, steadily stripping him of his independence and removing things that once gave him a sense of control could leave him in a very dark and potentially dangerous mental state,” a source warned.

Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, 66, has been helping him sort through belongings and sensitive papers as he prepares to leave the Royal Lodge completely.

A friend said she is also alarmed by his mood.

They added: “Sarah is extremely concerned about his ability to cope. Everything has unfolded at breakneck speed, and the constant feeling of humiliation is unrelenting, leaving her genuinely scared about how much more he can take.”

Princess Anne and Prince Edward are said to have privately expressed their concerns and warned the king that determination should not become cruelty.

“There is increasing belief that Charles may have overstepped his bounds,” an insider told us.