The deal that means Andrew can still afford to live in Royal Lodge

The deal that means Andrew can still afford to live in Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew’s living arrangements at his Windsor home, Royal Lodge, have come under scrutiny with the emergence of a document detailing his lease agreement with the Crown Estate. The controversy surrounding his association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has led to him relinquishing titles, including the Duke of York. Despite not being a working royal, Prince Andrew continues to reside at Royal Lodge in what some consider to be lavish conditions, sparking criticism.

The lease arrangement Prince Andrew struck with the Crown Estate in 2003 allowed him to make lump sum payments upfront, effectively eliminating the need for annual rent payments for the duration of the 75-year lease. Under this agreement, he paid for renovations, repairs, and a premium to the Crown Estate. The rent, described as a “peppercorn”, symbolically acknowledges a small sum paid annually on a long lease.

Questions have arisen regarding the source of funds Prince Andrew used to make the upfront payments in 2003. The deal was structured such that his initial payments covered rent obligations for multiple decades, securing the property at Royal Lodge for him. The lease also stipulates ongoing responsibilities for upkeep, maintenance, and adherence to certain terms, including restrictions on activities like helicopter landings and gambling on the premises.

Despite calls for him to vacate Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s lease is legally binding, providing him with security in his residence. The arrangement, once viewed as a sensible financial decision for taxpayers, continues to be a subject of debate, with some questioning the transparency and accountability of how Prince Andrew sustains his lifestyle at the property

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More