Significant disparities have emerged in the rental terms secured by King Charles’s brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, for their Crown Estate properties, according to a National Audit Office report.
The Duke of Edinburgh was required to pay market rates for his Surrey home, whilst his brother secured a nominal arrangement of “one peppercorn, if demanded” for his Windsor residence.
Edward’s payments for the 51-acre Bagshot Park estate initially stood at £5,000 annually when he first leased the property in March 1998.
This figure subsequently increased to £90,000 per year, explicitly described as “market value”, following a £1.36 million contribution towards renovations.
Significant disparities have emerged in the rental terms secured by King Charles’s brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, for their Crown Estate properties, according to a National Audit Office report.
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In stark contrast, Andrew’s 30-room Royal Lodge arrangement involved no rental payments whatsoever following an £7.5 million refurbishment investment in 2005.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s financial arrangements underwent significant changes when he extended his lease to 150 years in 2007, reportedly paying £5 million for the extension.
However, crucial details about his current rental obligations remain concealed.
The Crown Estate has declined to release an unredacted version of Edward’s lease agreement, despite making Andrew’s terms publicly available.
In stark contrast, Andrew’s 30-room Royal Lodge arrangement involved no rental payments whatsoever following an £7.5 million refurbishment investment in 2005.
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Documents obtained reveal that royal solicitors Farrer & Co specifically authorised the removal of what they termed “prejudicial information” from the Land Registry filing.
Their handwritten certification states: “We certify that this is a copy of the lease date 16th August 2007 after removal of all the prejudicial information and that is otherwise a true copy.”
The redactions obscure not only the current rent amount but also the extension fee and specific tenant obligations that would clarify whether Edward continues paying market rates or has transitioned to peppercorn rent.
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Andrew’s advantageous terms have attracted increased attention following recent disclosures about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
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Andrew’s advantageous terms have attracted increased attention following recent disclosures about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Despite relinquishing his royal duties in 2019 and surrendering his titles this month, Andrew remains at the property.
Negotiations are underway for alternative accommodation, with Andrew seeking two separate Windsor estate homes for himself and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.