Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under pressure to disclose the earnings he received from subletting cottages at Royal Lodge for over two decades, where he had been pocketing the rental income for himself.
The arrangement, allowing the former Duke of York to profit from leasing out three cottages on the Crown Estate property at Royal Lodge, has raised concerns due to the lack of transparency surrounding the financial details. This was brought to light in a recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) following an investigation into the Royal Family’s property affairs.
Following revelations that Mountbatten-Windsor had been paying minimal rent for the Royal Lodge, a probe was initiated by the Public Accounts Committee to assess the property dealings between the Crown Estate and the royals. The committee’s inquiry highlighted the lack of clarity on the financial gains made by Mountbatten-Windsor through the subletting.
After losing all his titles in October due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, Mountbatten-Windsor was compelled to relinquish his lease for Royal Lodge and now resides at Marsh Farm in Sandringham.
Former Public Accounts Committee chairwoman, Baroness Margaret Hodge, expressed deep concerns over the NAO’s inability to ascertain the exact monetary benefits accrued by Mountbatten-Windsor from renting out the properties. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the royal family’s financial dealings.
The report failed to provide specifics on the profits generated by the ex-prince from subletting the cottages, as the agreements with his tenants were deemed private. Despite claims that the rentals were to cover maintenance costs, calls have been made for full disclosure of Mountbatten-Windsor’s earnings.
Royal expert Jennie Bond insisted that the palace should compel Mountbatten-Windsor to disclose the financial details of the subletting arrangements. Concerns were raised about Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have their accommodation expenses in royal palaces covered by the King, even though they are non-working royals.
The arrangement for the King to cover the rent of his nieces was reportedly established by the late Queen, with both princesses holding jobs and having personal residences. Jennie Bond questioned the necessity for the King to continue funding their accommodation, given their independent lifestyles.
As scrutiny mounts over the financial affairs of the royal family, calls for transparency and accountability in their property dealings have intensified, urging for greater clarity on how public funds are managed.
