An inquiry is set to be initiated regarding the Crown Estate’s allocation of leases for residences occupied by other members of the Royal Family post the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor controversy.
MPs are seeking clarification on Andrew’s rent arrangement for the Windsor mansion following King Charles’ decision to expel his younger brother. Concern arose when it was revealed that Andrew procured a 75-year lease for the Grade-II listed Royal Lodge mansion in 2003 for £1 million, thereafter paying a nominal yearly rent of “one peppercorn” if requested.
In contrast, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently moved into Forest Lodge with their children under a 20-year non-assignable lease from The Crown Estate starting July 5, 2025, subject to market rent. Details of their agreement are part of a revealing report on royal properties that surfaced on Tuesday, highlighting various revelations primarily concerning Andrew.
Although Andrew could potentially receive £488,342.21 in compensation for relinquishing the Windsor mansion early, the Crown Estate anticipates no payment due to the property’s condition. The property’s disrepair may jeopardize Andrew’s compensation, and he is likely to forfeit £500,000 after vacating the premises to reside at King’s private Sandringham estate following his title revocation amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The report indicates that if no repairs were necessary upon lease termination, Andrew could have claimed £488,342.21 by October 30, 2026. However, a subsequent property inspection led the Crown Estate to doubt any compensation would be disbursed.
Prince William and Princess Kate pay market rent for Forest Lodge, differing significantly from Andrew’s lease terms, which have sparked controversy. Following discussions with the Royal Household, the Crown Estate commissioners were tasked with reviewing a potential lease for William and Kate to make Forest Lodge their primary residence.
Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, agreed in 2007 to an upfront payment of £5 million for the privilege of essentially residing rent-free at Bagshot Park in Surrey. The late Queen’s youngest son initially secured a 50-year lease for a Crown Estate residence in 1998, which was extended in 2007 under a new arrangement with Eclipse Nominees Limited.
Recent reports disclose that Edward paid £5 million upfront for a 150-year lease, now paying a peppercorn rent, with no restrictions on future lease transfers except for the new lessee’s obligation to maintain the property.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is legally entitled to occupy Royal Lodge until October next year but is expected to vacate sooner, with permission to stay until October 2026 according to the lease terms. Andrew formally offered to surrender the lease on October 30, 2025, providing the requisite 12 months’ notice as specified in the lease agreement.