Royal Lodge in 1823.

The always fraught relationship between Prince Philip and the Duchess of York has boiled over once again with the Prince banning her from living at Royal Lodge, home of her former husband, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

Since their divorce, the Yorks have maintained an amicable relationship, with Fergie (the Duchess) even sharing the old family home at Windsor — Southyork as it became known.

After the death of the Queen Mother, Royal Lodge became the home of the Duke, who made some rooms available for the mother of his two daughters, the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Now it appears Prince Philip has objected and Fergie is looking for an apartment in New York, where she spends most of her time working on her business interests.

Speculation on why the decision was made has included, avoiding the spotlight falling on Prince Andrew whose life seems to have deteriorated into a round of pleasure and golf; and the fact that the Queen enjoyed an idyllic childhood at Royal Lodge before the Abdication changed her life forever.