CAMPAIGNERS are challenging claims a house move by Prince William and Kate Middleton will not cost the taxpayer.
William and Kate are set to move to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, with their children George, Charlotte and Louis – a property that belongs to the Crown Estate, which has the job of raising funds for the government.
The family have been living in the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in the castle grounds since August 2022 and it will be where they plan to live as a family when they become King and Queen.
But Republic campaigners have questioned assertions the costs will be met by the couple.
Republic CEO Graham Smith said: "Why does the Crown Estate allow the royals to pick and choose which properties they can use, and where is the evidence that they are paying market rates for Forest Lodge?
"These are public properties, the public has a right to know what is paid for their use. And why has the Crown Estate evicted two families so William can move house?
"While reports claim the costs will be met by the couple, it is likely to cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds to upgrade the home's security infrastructure.
"Meanwhile the taxpayer continues to fund a 20-room four-storey mansion for William and Kate inside Kensington Palace. Why? How many homes does he need?"
Smith has said he will be writing to the Crown Estate and ministers challenging them "over the royal use of public property and the arrangements between the royals and the Crown Estate".
The BBC reports the Prince and Princess of Wales are funding the move privately and they will pay market rent on the property.
William and Kate now have four homes – a mansion inside Kensington Palace, the 10-bedroom Anmer Hall on the grounds of Sandringham in Norfolk, a large house on the Balmoral estate and Forest Lodge.
