- An audit by the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was subletting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate, while he himself paid a peppercorn rent for the main residence.
- Property buying agent Robin Edwards estimated that these sublets could have generated between £90,000 and £180,000 annually, based on expected rents of £2,500 to £5,000 per month per cottage due to their unique setting and prestige.
- The NAO report did not specify the exact income Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor generated, the specific cottages involved, the duration of the rentals, or the identities of the tenants, though auditors confirmed all tenants had vacated by April this year.
- Baroness Margaret Hodge, former chairwoman of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed shock and concern that the NAO was unable to establish the precise income from these sublets, calling for greater transparency and accountability within the Royal Family.
- The NAO report also disclosed that King Charles is covering the discounted rents for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at St James’s Palace and Kensington Palace respectively, with estimates suggesting these could amount to significant monthly payments.
IN FULL
