Prince Andrew looked pensive as he was spotted riding his horse through Windsor Park today.
The Duke of York, who is often seen riding his horse, is believed to enjoy exploring the gardens of his residence.
During the outing he wore a navy blue shirt and dark trousers, combined with riding boots, a helmet and sunglasses.
The 64-year-old brother of King Charles, who no longer has official royal duties after stepping aside following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, was photographed while riding a horse and driving his car.
It comes weeks after claims the monarch threatened to cut ties with his brother if the disgraced duke continues to refuse to leave Royal Lodge for his new home at Frogmore Cottage, according to a friend of the King.
Prince Andrews (pictured) was spotted travelling to Windsor today, wearing a blue shirt and dark trousers.
The Duke (pictured) is believed to enjoy strolling around the gardens and is seen doing so quite regularly.
Charles has reportedly been trying for a long time to get his brother, who has no apparent source of income, to leave the Windsor mansion amid rumours that The Prince of Wales wishes to take up residence at the property to reflect his role as heir to the throne.
Although sources close to the King said he is prepared to pay for his brother to live comfortably from his private funds from the Duchy of Lancaster, the level of funding must be appropriate.
A friend of the King told him The times‘Unfortunately, if Andrew refuses to leave within a reasonable timeframe then the King may be forced to reassess the entire support package he provides and the Duke would have to fund the majority of the costs of his security, accommodation and lifestyle himself, which, given the sums involved, is highly unlikely to be possible in the long term.’
They added that while “everyone is mindful of (Andrew’s) well-being” and has “his best interests at heart”, there are “limits to patience and tolerance”.
The Royal Lodge is located in the heart of Windsor Park, three miles south of Windsor Castle and is part of the Crown Estate.
Andrew first moved into the grand mansion in 2004 and now lives there with his ex-wife Sarah.
He signed a 75-year lease, paying £250 a week and agreeing to maintain the vast property.
However, claims emerged last year that Andrew would be unable to afford the £400,000-a-year upkeep of Royal Lodge, believed to be worth £30million, and it was reported that the duke had been told he would have to leave the property.
The royal was also pictured behind the wheel of his Range Rover, with an expression suggesting he was deep in thought.
He was granted “a stay of execution”, it was reported in October, after he reached an agreement with the King to carry out repair work at the 19th-century, Grade II-listed property.
But the state of the mansion’s exterior has since been exposed, with photographs said to show it still needs some work that could spark a fresh row.
Part of the terms of this alleged agreement with his elder brother was that he would carry out repair work on the 19th-century Grade II listed house, but these do not appear to have been carried out yet.
Andrew, who was forced to step down from royal duties over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, could see his £249,000 royal allowance cut, it has been reported, making it harder for the duke to keep his promises.
He reportedly told friends that such a drastic change in his finances would mean he would be unable to cover the costs of the inheritance.
Prince Andrew’s departure comes just weeks after claims that King Charles threatened to “sever” ties with his younger brother if he refuses to move out of Royal Lodge.
The Mail revealed last year that the King had offered his younger brother a more modest estate, but Andrew reportedly saw this as too much of a “demotion”.
If Andrew were to move to Frogmore Cottage he would save a lot of money, and friends of the King claim he would continue to pay for mobile security but would not have to provide static security for the building.
Those familiar with Frogmore Cottage, which used to house the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said it was in good condition thanks to the work carried out by Harry and Meghan before their move to the United States.
Despite his potential financial problems, sources close to the duke said in January: “Andrew is not going anywhere. He has a fixed lease.”
Following the King’s continued attempts to oust Andrew from the Royal Lodge, a friend of Charles said: “As things stand, life at the Royal Lodge is only going to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the Duke.”
