Prince Andrew has been described as having a "spring in his step" and has turned his hand to gardening as he looks after the greenery surrounding his home, the Royal Lodge. It has been reported he has been keeping busy by walking around the Windsor estate and even asking groundsmen for gardening advice.

Andrew remains locked in a dispute with King Charles over his decision to continue living in the mansion, despite major repairs being needed on the property. Disgraced Andrew, who was forced to step back from all royal duties after his close relationship with a convicted paedophile, was reportedly offered a choice to move into Frogmore Cottage, previously owned by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

As reported in the Mirror, a source said: "The Duke has been walking round the estate a lot recently, speaking to staff and asking for tips on managing the grounds."

The source continued: "The whole place has fallen into disrepair and needs a lot of attention. He's been asking about different kinds of trees and shrubs and whether it would be possible to move or relocate certain trees.

"He's certainly got a spring in his step and is a lot cheerier of late, which is surprising given everything he has going on."

Andrew has told close friends he is "going nowhere" and told the King and the Crown Estate who own Royal Lodge, that he has a "cast iron lease" that he signed for 75 years in 2002.

It comes as The Duke of York made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday with the Royal Family in Windsor, and he was accompanied by his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

As well as Andrew being present at the Easter service, his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also attended the service, along with their husbands. The service was also attended by a number of senior royals including Princess Anne, Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward.

The prince has also been pictured enjoying another pastime, horseriding. He was snapped riding a horse near his home in Royal Lodge after he joined the King, Queen and other members of the Royal Family for Easter.

While he has not been seen officially alongside the Royal Family for several months, his appearance was not entirely unexpected as the Easter Mattins service is considered a private family event rather than an official engagement.

His attendance was permitted even after his disastrous Newsnight interview in November 2019, which focused on his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and led to his removal as a working royal. He no longer holds any public role or patronage and is unable to use his HRH title.