Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are currently facing a significant decision regarding their housing arrangements within the royal family, as highlighted by an expert’s analysis. The two sisters, who are the offspring of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, have come under scrutiny due to the revelation that they do not personally pay rent for their residences in royal palaces, despite not holding active royal duties. Initially, it was believed that they were paying market rent for their respective London accommodations – Beatrice at St James’ Palace and Eugenie within Kensington Palace.
However, a recent inquiry conducted by the National Audit Office has exposed that both sisters are not making any rental payments, and the expenses are covered by the Privy Purse, funded by the King’s private income from the Duchy of Lancaster. This revelation has sparked criticism from various quarters, with royal finance expert Norman Baker criticizing the arrangements established by the late Queen as a ‘sweetheart deal’. As a result of the report’s findings, royal commentator Jennie Bond speculates that the princesses will likely need to make changes in light of this scrutiny.
There are reports indicating that Prince William is prepared to implement alterations to the royal property policies once he assumes the throne. The Audit Office report also disclosed that the princesses’ father, the former Duke of York, had been permitted to sublet three cottages on his previous Royal Lodge estate and retain the profits, despite only paying minimal rent for the estate.
Sources close to Prince Charles have stated his intention to review the inner workings of the royal household to ensure its alignment with modern standards. He is particularly concerned about how the public perceives non-working members of the royal family residing in properties under preferential terms. Despite these developments, Prince William recently reunited with his cousins, Beatrice and Eugenie, at a family wedding in the Cotswolds, displaying warmth towards them. Jennie Bond notes that the prince likely empathizes with his cousins’ situation, given his own experiences in the public eye and his advocacy for mental health awareness.
