Disgraced former Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is under pressure to disclose the earnings he derived from subletting Royal Lodge cottages for over two decades. Mountbatten-Windsor rented out three cottages at Royal Lodge, part of the Crown Estate, without paying substantial rent, leading to calls for transparency regarding the financial arrangements.
The National Audit Office recently uncovered this lucrative subletting scheme in a report that scrutinized the Royal Family’s property dealings. This investigation was prompted by concerns raised by the Public Accounts Committee, responsible for ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently. The report also revealed that Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his titles following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, had to relinquish his lease for Royal Lodge and now resides in a smaller property at Marsh Farm, Sandringham.
Former Public Accounts Committee chairperson, Baroness Margaret Hodge, expressed alarm over the lack of clarity on the funds obtained by Mountbatten-Windsor through property subletting. Hodge emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in modern royal operations. The report did not disclose the exact earnings from the subletting deals, as they were considered private arrangements between Mountbatten-Windsor and his tenants.
Royal expert Jennie Bond joined the call for financial transparency, urging the palace to compel Mountbatten-Windsor to disclose his earnings and expenses related to the cottages. Questions have been raised about the need for secrecy surrounding the financial transactions and whether any profits were retained by Mountbatten-Windsor.
Additionally, the report highlighted that the King covers the living expenses of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in royal residences, despite their non-working royal status. This arrangement, orchestrated by the late Queen, involves the Privy Purse funding the sisters’ accommodation costs. Bond raised concerns over the optics of the princesses living rent-free in royal palaces, given their independent careers and personal wealth.
The ongoing scrutiny of financial arrangements within the royal family underscores the growing demand for transparency and accountability in their property dealings. As public interest intensifies, the pressure mounts on Mountbatten-Windsor and the royal household to disclose the full extent of their financial arrangements.