Spending watchdog probes Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge lease over ‘peppercorn’ rent

King Charles’s brother is reportedly in discussions with the monarch’s representatives about leaving the residence voluntarily, as public scrutiny intensifies over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a letter released on Wednesday, PAC chairman and Conservative MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “There is considerable and understandable public interest in the spending of public money in relation to Prince Andrew, which in part stems from the fact that he is no longer a working Royal and from serious and disturbing allegations made against him.”

He requested “that you write to us providing an update on the status of, and rationale for, the lease”.

Earlier this month, Andrew relinquished his dukedom and remaining titles in an attempt to put years of scandal behind him following claims that he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre, allegations he strongly denies.

The move came shortly before the publication of her posthumous memoir.

However, the prince has since faced further backlash over his long-term residence at Royal Lodge, where he has effectively lived rent-free since 2003.

In his correspondence, Sir Geoffrey noted that the Crown Estate is obligated to manage its holdings “according to the best consideration of money or money’s worth which in their opinion can be reasonably obtained.”

He continued: “We are therefore concerned as to whether the lease arrangements for Royal Lodge are, in light of recent developments and changes in the responsibilities of Prince Andrew, achieving the best value for money.

“They must also be justifiable in comparison to other options for the use or disposal of the property.

“It is also a matter of concern to the Committee that the terms of the lease, including those relating to maintenance, are being effectively enforced to maintain the value and character of this nationally important royal residence.”

GB News has approached the Treasury and the Crown Estate for comment.

Prince Andrew has lived at Royal Lodge since 2003 under a long-term lease agreement with the Crown Estate.

The property, a Grade II-listed mansion in Windsor Great Park, was previously home to the Queen Mother until her death in 2002.

Reports suggest Andrew pays around £250 a week in rent for the 30-room residence, described as a “peppercorn” rate.

Earlier this year, King Charles is said to have offered Andrew the smaller Frogmore Cottage instead.

This followed concerns over upkeep costs at Royal Lodge, which is mandatory under Prince Andrew's lease.

The renewed scrutiny comes as Parliament examines how Crown Estate assets are managed in light of their public ownership.