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Royal News

Prince Andrew’s rent for Royal Lodge in the spotlight as it’s revealed he has this deal

Prince Andrew, Duke of York

Prince Andrew’s special rent deal at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate has been revealed in new documents.

And they show that Andrew hasn’t paid rent on the property since 2003.

Instead he has a peppercorn arrangement. He has to cover the upkeep of the building and pay a ”peppercorn (if demanded)’ every year in return.

The Times obtained a copy of Prince Andrew’s leasehold agreement which showed the arrangement. If the prince doesn’t pay for the upkeep then a rent of £260,000 per year is due.

Other documents, from the National Audit Office, show that nothing has been received for Royal Lodge. The Crown Estate confirmed that Royal Lodge is held on a peppercorn rent.

It explains how Prince Andrew is able to afford the property having been cut off financially by King Charles.

The revelation comes just days after Prince Andrew said he was giving up his royal titles, including Duke of York. However, he still holds the titles which only become extinct on his death.

Several MPs have now called for new legislation to take away the titles permanently in Andrew’s lifetime.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.