The former prince will be spending one final Christmas at Royal Lodge

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “seems to be kicking his heels” as the former prince “delays” his move from Royal Lodge.

The former Duke of York is preparing for one last Christmas at the Grade II house, according to reports, with sources at Buckingham Palace maintaining they anticipate Andrew will leave during the first three months of next year.

 

Royal author Robert Jobson believes that Andrew “won’t budge until February at the earliest” as he pushes back his move to Sandringham

Mr Jobson told Hello!: “Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor seems to be kicking his heels.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is ‘kicking his heels’ | GETTY

“The disgraced royal has made it clear to the King and courtiers who sent him packing that he is going nowhere fast.

“Despite formal notice being served in October to surrender his Royal Lodge lease, he won’t budge until February at the earliest, suggesting he will spend Christmas at Royal Lodge while the King invites the rest of his close family to Sandringham.

“Why the delay? Logistics. Moving two decades of accumulated life from 30 rooms into a modest cottage takes time, close sources say.

“It is understood Andrew’s Sandringham property isn’t ready. Downsizing is complex, the Palace says. But understanding doesn’t mean sympathy.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

A royal author has questioned the delay with Andrew’s move out of Royal Lodge | GETTY

The royal author continued: “Sources say Andrew is ‘leaning on every technical step available’ to slow the process.

“Delay as strategy. Why rush to your own diminishment?”

Several insiders have echoed Mr Jobson’s thoughts, with one source telling The Times: “You’re not going to see the removal vans outside Royal Lodge anytime soon.”

A lifetime’s worth of luxury items and personal belongings, including his well-documented collection of dozens of teddy bears, must be relocated.

Royal Lodge

‘You’re not going to see the removal vans outside Royal Lodge anytime soon,’ a source told The Times| GETTY

Further complicating matters is the question of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis, which are currently residing at Royal Lodge.

When Andrew and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, finally separate their belongings – some three decades after their divorce – arrangements must be made for the dogs’ future care.

Representatives on behalf of Andrew met with the Crown Estate at Royal Lodge on November 12 to discuss the formal handover of the property.

Fergie is currently looking for a property in the Windsor area, according to a source.

\u200bSarah Ferguson

Fergie is actively searching for a property of her own in the Windsor area, according to a source | GETTY

Friends say she is eager to create a life independent from Andrew, with whom she has shared Royal Lodge since their divorce in 1996.

Although they ended their marriage, the couple has lived in separate rooms within the same house for decades.

A source told The Times that Ms Ferguson’s determination to remain in Britain, stating: “She wants to stay in the UK.

“Ideally, in the Windsor area, she wants to have her own base so that she can live independently and continue to pursue many things as Sarah Ferguson.”