Royals fear Andrew Windsor could ‘end it all after title loss’

Once his eviction from Royal Lodge is complete, Andrew will move to a smaller home at Sandringham. Options being considered include Park House – Princess Diana’s childhood home – or one of the many smaller cottages on the 20,000-acre estate.

Former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond said the transition could push him further into isolation.

She explained: ‘It seems to me that Andrew’s life will involve him being even more of a recluse than in years past, and that’s saying something. The Sandringham estate is extensive, some 20,000 hectares with approximately 150 properties, including villages and hamlets. So I suppose Andrew could be part of a new community, although it seems quite doubtful that many communities would welcome him into their midst.

“The king has granted him a certain mercy, allowing him to live on his private estate, where he will not incur any costs to the taxpayer even indirectly. Whether he will have employees remains to be seen. Can he cook for himself? Has he ever had to do any shopping or cleaning? The answer is probably no. Maybe he will have to learn now.”

A palace source said: “People are genuinely concerned that he will shut down completely once he gets to Sandringham. No one can say how he will cope on his own – there is real concern about his state of mind.”