Prince Andrew, facing controversy, is granted an extension to stay in the Royal Lodge for another year, despite being ousted by King Charles. An investigation is underway regarding the Crown Estate and royal residences following scrutiny on Andrew’s rent agreement for the Windsor mansion.
Public outcry ensued over Andrew’s nominal payment of £1 million in 2003 for a long-term lease of the Royal Lodge, with minimal annual rent conditions. This prompted the Public Accounts Committee to seek explanations from the Treasury and Crown Estate.
The committee, overseeing taxpayer money usage, disclosed property arrangement specifics provided by Crown Estate’s CEO, Dan Labbad.
Documents revealed Andrew’s lease terms allowing him to occupy the mansion until October 2026, even after being evicted by King Charles. Financial obligations for maintenance and repairs remain Andrew’s responsibility until he surrenders the property to the Crown Estate.
In the event of no significant repairs upon lease termination, Andrew would potentially receive compensation, which the Crown Estate currently deems unlikely. Plans suggest Andrew will relocate to a smaller residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk to avoid royal family encounters during the holiday season.
Recently, King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles and removed him from the Peerage Roll due to “serious lapses” in judgment, following revelations from Virginia Giuffre’s memoir and US government documents related to Epstein.
While Andrew’s legal stay at the Royal Lodge continues, a transition to Sandringham is anticipated.