Ex-prince Andrew takes big decision ahead of Royal Lodge eviction

Ex-prince Andrew has made a big decision about his future as he prepares to leave Royal Lodge, a friend has revealed.

Sources close to the “disgraced” ex-royal said he has decided to “get on with his life” and will be moving out sooner than expected.

They noted that Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s father is aiming to start afresh by the end of the month or at least before his February birthday.

“He’s finally decided he needs to get on with his life and so is moving out sooner than thought and starting afresh by the end of the month, or at least before his birthday in February,” the source said.

They added, “He and Sarah will go their own separate ways for the first time in almost 20 years.

“Apart from involvement with the children and grandchildren, they will live separate lives."

Despite stripping Andrew of his royal titles and ordering him to vacate the Royal Lodge, insiders said it has not made much difference to how the former Duke of York actually lives.

According to sources, Andrew is said to still enjoy a comfortable and privileged lifestyle behind closed doors.

"Public anger will not be driven by the titles Andrew has surrendered, but by the privileges he continues to enjoy out of sight,” a source told OK! Magazine.

“The indulgence is still there, it has simply been pushed further into the shadows. Andrew continues to carry himself with a deep sense of entitlement.”

“He expects constant service and special treatment, regardless of the expense, and rather than withdrawing from view, he behaves as though his circumstances remain exactly as they were. He also still expects his servants to call him a prince or duke,” the source continued.

"When it comes to comfort and indulgence, Andrew's day-to-day life appears largely unchanged. It is that continuity of luxury, despite everything, that many will find deeply offensive."