Calls for inquiry into ‘all royal finances’ after Andrew subletting revelations

Following revelations that Prince Andrew received undisclosed private income from subletting three cottages on his Royal Lodge estate while paying a "peppercorn rent," campaigners are calling for a public inquiry into all royal finances. A National Audit Office report confirmed the income but stated the rent charged was unknown. This has led to calls for "radical reform" and a full investigation by groups like Republic and former minister Norman Baker. The report also noted that King Charles pays the rent for properties occupied by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who do not perform royal duties. Concerns are raised about the use of publicly owned property for private enrichment of the royals.

A National Audit Office report details various royal property arrangements. King Charles III covers the accommodation costs for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in royal palaces, despite them being non-working royals. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have generated private income by subletting parts of their Crown Estate property at Bagshot Park. The Prince and Princess of Wales pay a significant annual rent for Forest Lodge in Windsor, with the Crown Estate covering external repairs. Prince and Princess Michael of Kent also have their Kensington Palace rent covered by King Charles, continuing an arrangement initiated by Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Alexandra pays a ground rent for Thatched House Lodge.

Labour peer Margaret Hodge has expressed shock and concern that the National Audit Office (NAO) has not determined Prince Andrew's income from subletting properties. The NAO's report revealed Andrew received private income from subletting three cottages at Windsor Royal Lodge while paying a nominal rent to the Crown Estate. Hodge questioned the appropriateness of non-working royals being subsidized by taxpayers, citing other family members also residing on the estate without paying rent. The report also detailed King Charles paying adjusted rent for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to live in royal palaces. The Crown Estate stated its leases were agreed with professional advice and open market valuations, while Buckingham Palace welcomed the report's transparency.

A report by the UK's National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed details about royal property arrangements, including those involving Prince Andrew. The NAO's review, the most comprehensive to date, found that Prince Andrew held leases for 10 properties, three of which he sublet. Additionally, King Charles pays rent for the homes of Prince Andrew's daughters. The report indicated that some leases were valued commercially, while others involved senior figures paying no rent or only negligible amounts. This analysis was prompted by an inquiry by parliament's Public Accounts Committee concerning Prince Andrew's lease for the Royal Lodge mansion.

A National Audit Office report reveals Prince Andrew generated private income by subletting three cottages on his Windsor Royal Lodge estate while paying a "peppercorn rent" to the Crown Estate. King Charles also pays an "adjusted" rent, below market value, for his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie to live in royal palaces, funded by his Duchy of Lancaster income. The report details various rent and lease arrangements for royal properties, noting that homes managed by the royal household typically have rents set at 60% of market value due to security requirements. Prince William and Catherine's Forest Lodge home underwent £400,000 in Crown Estate repairs before they moved in, paying an annual rent of £307,200.