Peer ‘shocked’ that watchdog had not established Andrew’s property income
Summary
A parliamentary committee former chair expressed concern that the National Audit Office (NAO) could not determine how much income Prince Andrew earned by renting out properties. The NAO report also revealed that some non-working royals live in royal estates rent-free or pay below-market rent while the Prince and Princess of Wales pay substantial rent for their Windsor home.Key Facts
- Dame Margaret Hodge, ex-chair of the public accounts committee, said it was concerning the NAO couldn’t find out Prince Andrew’s rental income.
- Prince Andrew sublet three cottages on his Windsor estate while paying very low rent to the Crown Estate.
- Non-working royals like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Prince Michael of Kent and his wife, receive housing subsidies despite not performing royal duties.
- King Charles pays reduced rent from his private income for Beatrice and Eugenie’s royal palace residences.
- Prince William and Princess Catherine pay £307,200 a year rent for their Forest Lodge home in Windsor, under a 20-year lease.
- The Crown Estate said all leases with royals are based on independent and professional market valuations.
- Buckingham Palace emphasized their commitment to transparency and said housing arrangements vary depending on circumstances.
- The Commons public accounts committee will use the NAO report to investigate royal property use following public concern.
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