Prince Andrew has reportedly sparked widespread curiosity about his current financial resources – and has even left royal aides baffled.

Prince Andrew has left royal aides baffled (Image: GETTY)

Prince Andrew has left royal aides baffled as he splashes cash despite having “no income”, it has been claimed.

The 64-year-old is set to fork out £20,000 on an external paint job for his 30-room Windsor-based residence, Royal Lodge.

Speaking recently to Express.co.uk, sources say that despite having no formal income, the Duke of York remains determined to maintain the property – leaving aides baffled by his wishes.

Royal Lodge, which is situated on the Windsor Great Park, has already cost him millions in renovations and requires several hundreds of thousands annually for ongoing maintenance work. He could also face eviction if he fails to maintain the property.

The source added: “The exterior paintwork damage is minor. That sort of thing can only be repaired once the weather is warmer, so there are plans for external repairs in the next few months.”

Royal Lodge has been a significant financial burden for Andrew – who lives there with his ex wife, Sarah Ferguson – since he signed a 75-year lease in 2003.

The lease stipulates property maintenance in exchange for a modest £250 weekly rent.

It has previously been reported that Amdrew has paid more than £200,000 for roof repairs on the royal mansion last summer – a sum which was described as an “interim payment”.

The source also added that Andrew is “determined” to stay at the property and that he “will find the money somewhere”.

Andrew lives at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson (Image: PA)Continuing, the source added: “It’s a status symbol for him, the last real show of royal power he has left.

“The only way he will leave that property is if he’s carried out in a wooden box.”

It was recently reported that Royal Lodge was “crumbling”, with pictures released by the Mirror showing exterior damage.

A source previously told the Mirror: “The Duke of York has a clear responsibility for the upkeep of the Royal Lodge estate, which is certainly not happening.

Prince Andrew is said to be determined to stay at Royal Lodge (Image: GETTY)

The state of the residence will be of great concern to the King after everything that has gone on and been discussed in regards to the house.

“Prince Andrew was told he must take charge of the necessary renovations or he will have no cause to stay in the house.

“There is no doubt the King will be alarmed at the true state of the residence after the duke assured him everything was in hand.”