Newly uncovered details have revealed why Prince Andrew hasn’t paid traditional rent on his Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge, for over 20 years, and how a unique lease agreement has allowed him to stay there at minimal ongoing cost.
As reported by ITV News, a copy of Andrew’s Royal Lodge lease agreement was released on Tuesday.
According to the lease, Andrew has paid “peppercorn” rent, which means a small sum such as £1, for Royal Lodge over the last two decades. Royal Lodge is a 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire.
In place of monthly or annual rent, Andrew reportedly made significant lump-sum payments up front when the lease was signed in 2003. According to a National Audit Office report, these included £7.5million in renovation costs, completed in 2005.
He also paid £1million for the lease and has since paid only “one peppercorn” in rent per year, “if demanded”.
Andrew signed the 75-year agreement for Royal Lodge in 2003, meaning the lease will end in 2078.
Prince Andrew’s ‘rent’ agreement with Royal Lodge
The Crown Estate entered into the agreement when Andrew was still a working royal and a less controversial figure.
At the time, the arrangement was considered more cost-effective than allowing him to live there rent-free. The property had previously been occupied by The Queen Mother and was reportedly in a state of disrepair.
By agreeing to fund renovations and maintenance, Andrew was trading a traditional rental model for upfront investment.
As part of the deal, he also agreed to various restrictions. These included a ban on helicopters and gambling on the property.
The lease also includes a clause that would allow Andrew to recover part of the upfront payment if he were to leave before 2028. However, that refund amount decreases annually.
With more than 22 years passed, according to the BBC, he would now only receive around £186,000 for each remaining year until the 25-year mark. After that, the refund guarantee expires.
This clause explains why Prince Andrew is reluctant to vacate the residence. This is despite ongoing pressure and scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and fresh allegations mentioned in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
The home is also shared with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. The lease also includes clauses that allow their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to continue occupying it.
It would be a ‘waste of time’ to attempt to evict him
The arrangement has sparked growing criticism from the public. Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Lisa Smart said Andrew “should show some contrition by returning every penny of rent that he’s not paid while disgracing his office”.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick added that it was time the prince “make his own way in life”.
He said: “It’s about time Prince Andrew took himself off to live in private and make his own way in life,” he said. He has disgraced himself, he has embarrassed the royal family time and again.”
Still, legal experts say Andrew is well within his rights to stay. Property lawyer Mike Hansom told the Daily Mail that unless the prince violates terms of the lease, “any attempt to get Andrew out would be a waste of time”.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew’s reputation continues to decline. He recently announced that he would stop using his royal titles amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
However, critics argue that allowing him to remain living in luxury sends the wrong message for the royal family.
Despite the symbolic gesture of relinquishing his titles, many believe his lavish lifestyle at Royal Lodge undermines the move.
However, his long-term lease offers him strong legal protection.
Read more: Palace issues King Charles statement amid ‘great concern’ over Prince Andrew allegations
What do you think of this story? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.