Prince Andrew Not Owed Royal Lodge Compensation Amid Dilapidation; Crown Estate Lease Inquiry Looms

No Royal Lodge Compensation for Prince Andrew Amid Dilapidation; MP Inquiry Launched

Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is set to vacate Royal Lodge in Windsor without receiving the £488,000 compensation he could have claimed for an early surrender of his 75-year lease. This is due to the property's severe state of disrepair, as confirmed by information from the Public Accounts Committee.

Property Condition Halts Payout

A report by the Crown Estate, presented to Members of Parliament, highlights that Royal Lodge is so dilapidated and in need of extensive renovations that, in "all likelihood," Andrew "will not be owed any compensation." This revelation stems from a clause in his leasing agreement that made compensation contingent on the property's maintenance.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Royal Leases

The severity of the property's condition and the implications for public funds have prompted Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, to announce a forthcoming MPs' inquiry. This investigation, scheduled to begin next year, will scrutinize the Crown Estate and its arrangements for property leases involving the Royal Family.

Andrew's Departure and Financial Background

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor formally served his notice to leave Royal Lodge on October 30, the very day his royal titles were rescinded. While he provided the standard 12 months' notice, he is expected to move from Windsor to Sandringham, King Charles's private estate in Norfolk, early next year.

The financial details of Andrew's occupancy at Royal Lodge have been a point of interest for MPs. He took on the 75-year lease in 2003, making a substantial upfront payment of over £8.5 million. This payment was intended to cover renovation costs and served as an advance payment in lieu of rent, alongside a token "peppercorn" payment – a common practice for long leases of this nature.

Pressure and Loss of Titles

For over a year, Andrew, 65, faced considerable pressure to leave his Windsor home, a situation colloquially known as the "Siege of Royal Lodge." Despite King Charles having halted financial support for his brother, Andrew initially showed no signs of relinquishing his private lease.

However, mounting public outcry over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to Andrew being stripped of his Duke of York title and princely status in October, becoming Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. This announcement also stipulated his departure from Royal Lodge and relocation to Sandringham. Furthermore, Andrew has faced calls from US Congress Democrats to testify before a committee investigating Epstein's activities, a request he had not responded to by the stated deadline.