A new report by the National Audit Office has revealed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received rental income by sub-letting three cottages located on the Royal Lodge estate.
The report states that when Andrew took over the lease of Royal Lodge, he paid £7.5 million for major repairs to the property. As a result, he was not required to pay monthly rent for the residence.
The watchdog also disclosed that the King pays the rent for accommodation used by Andrew’s daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, through the Privy Purse, which is the monarch’s personal income.
Princess Eugenie is reported to have accommodation at Kensington Palace, while Princess Beatrice has accommodation at St James’s Palace. Both palaces are maintained through public funding under the Sovereign Grant system.
The report marks the first major review of royal residences in two decades and details 12 properties used by Andrew, his family and staff. The findings are expected to be examined further by Members of Parliament through a public accounts committee inquiry.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the report reflects the Royal Household’s commitment to transparency.
