Campaigners Demand Inquiry Into £15 Billion Royal Estate After Andrew's Cottage Income Revealed
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 5
Campaigners Demand Inquiry Into £15 Billion Royal Estate After Andrew's Cottage Income Revealed
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 5
Summary
An NAO report found Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received private income from subletting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate, but said it could not determine what rent he charged.
That disclosure triggered calls from Republic and former minister Norman Baker for a public inquiry into all royal finances, arguing publicly owned property may have been used for private enrichment.
Royal Lodge had been leased to Andrew on a £1 million premium, with £7.5 million spent on renovations in 2003 and only a peppercorn rent thereafter; sources said the subletting covered maintenance rather than profit.
The row widened beyond Andrew after the report said Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie live in royal palaces with rent privately paid by King Charles and adjusted because tenants must be security vetted.
Scrutiny is likely to intensify as the Crown Estate's £15 billion portfolio and the sovereign grant system face renewed questions over where public assets end and private royal benefit begins.