Parliament’s spending watchdog has written to the Crown Estate to raise concerns over the “value for money” of Prince Andrew’s living arrangements.
Pressure has been mounting on the King’s brother to vacate the Royal Lodge amid continuing furore over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and after it emerged he was paying a “peppercorn” rent on the property.
On Wednesday, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) wrote to the Treasury and the Crown Estate asking them to explain the rationale behind the lease arrangements.
In the letter, PAC chairman and Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said the Crown Estate has a duty to manage its land “according to the best consideration of money or money’s worth which in their opinion can be reasonably obtained.”
He went on: “We are therefore concerned as to whether the lease arrangements for Royal Lodge are, in light of recent developments and changes in the responsibilities of Prince Andrew, achieving the best value for money.”
In recent weeks, Prince Andrew has faced continuing controversy over his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and the publication of the posthumous memoirs by his sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. Andrew strenuously denies all accusations.
Key Points
- Recap: Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
- Recap: Prince Andrew hosted Epstein at Royal Lodge ‘days before his arrest’
- Virginia Guiffre wanted to 'use Crown’s money to do some good'
- Why Andrew quit public duties
Watch: Andrew’s past ‘catching up with him’ amid controversy over home
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHow could Prince Andrew be formally stripped of his titles?
09:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Recap: Prince Andrew ‘hosted Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein’ at Royal Lodge party
09:02 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew reportedly hosted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein at Royal Lodge just days before his arrest for sexual assault on a minor.
On Tuesday, the BBC reported Andrew had put up the disgraced financier, as well as Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein, in his 30-room mansion during his daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations.
During a BBC Newsnight interview in 2019, Andrew denied any knowledge of Epstein being wanted at the time of the event.
Prince Andrew ‘hosted Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein’ at Royal Lodge party
Comment: Kate is known as the ‘huntress’ in the royal pack – this is why
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Kate is known as the ‘huntress’ in the royal pack – this is why
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
08:01 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is facing growing heat over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein after new allegations were made against him in Virginia Giuffre’s recently published memoir.
Ms Giuffre alleges she had sex with Andrew three times while she was being trafficked by Epstien - something he strenuously denies.
But could he ever face legal action over the allegations? The Independent’s Amy-Clare Martin takes a look...
Could Prince Andrew ever be prosecuted over his links to Jeffrey Epstein?
Recap: King Charles heckled over Prince Andrew-Epstein scandal during cathedral visit
07:34 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKing Charles was heckled by a bystander over Prince Andrew during his visit to Lichfield cathedral earlier this week.
The King is under mounting pressure to persuade Andrew to leave Royal Lodge after it emerged the disgraced royal had paid just a “peppercorn rent” there for 20 years.
King Charles heckled over Prince Andrew-Epstein scandal during cathedral visit
William 'put pressure on Andrew's daughters' titles in bid to force him out'
07:00 , Jane DaltonPrince William reportedly told Andrew’s daughters Beatrice and Eugenie he would need to examine their titles if they did not put pressure on their father to leave Royal Lodge, according to reports.
Journalist Emily Maitlis, who conducted the famous Newsnight interview with Andrew in 2019, told the News Agents podcast: “There was a question over whether earlier in the day, a meeting between Prince William and the princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, saying ‘you guys have got to get your dad to move out of Royal Lodge otherwise we will start re-examining the state of your own titles’.”
Watch: Demonstrators protest outside Andrew’s home
05:45 , Jane Dalton
Demonstrators protest outside Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge home
How Andrew could be formally stripped of his titles
04:30 , Jane DaltonAn Act of Parliament would be required, and there are two imperfect precedents:
Guiffre wanted to 'use Crown’s money to do some good'
03:13 , Jane Dalton“I look forward to disseminating some of the Crown’s money to do some good,” Virginia Giuffre wrote in her memoir.
All the major Prince Andrew revelations from Virginia Giuffre’s memoir
Opinion: Andrew can’t outrun Epstein’s shadow or America’s questions
02:06 , Jane Dalton
Prince Andrew can’t outrun Epstein’s shadow or America’s questions
Watch: Prince Harry prompts laughter with American accent attempt
01:00 , Jane Dalton
Prince Harry attempts American accent during podcast appearance
Why Andrew quit public duties
Wednesday 29 October 2025 23:50 , Jane DaltonReminder: Four days after his notorious 2019 BBC Newsnight interview aired, Prince Andrew stepped down from public duties. The interview was seen as a disaster for him:
Prince Andrew's Newsnight interview was a disaster, aide told alleged Chinese spy
Watch: Epstein survivor calls on Andrew to ‘do right by Virginia Giuffre’
Wednesday 29 October 2025 22:40 , Jane Dalton
Epstein survivor calls on Prince Andrew to ‘do right by Virginia Giuffre’
Treasury insists it's independent of Crown Estate
Wednesday 29 October 2025 22:04 , Jane DaltonThe Crown Estate is independent of the government and the King, the Treasury has insisted, after the Public Accounts Committee called on both the estate and the Treasury to say whether Andrew’s arrangements were value for money.
A Treasury spokesperson said: "The Crown Estate is an organisation independent of both the government and the Monarch.
"We will respond to Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown in due course."
Where Andrew could move to if he quits Royal Lodge
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:28 , Jane Dalton
Frogmore Cottage? Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
Prince Harry slates 'lawlessness' of social-media giants
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:18 , Jane DaltonThe Duke of Sussex has railed against social media companies, claiming they "farm our children's mindset and market it for themselves".
Harry said there were some "evil wicked people at the heart of this" in a podcast interview with US comic Hasan Minhaj, and when asked if he would become a US citizen, replied he had no plans at this point.
The duke, who has long campaigned to raise awareness about the harms of social media, told the Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know podcast: "People look to governments to protect them and yet we have this lawlessness within this particular industry.
"Where, as far as they're concerned, accountability slows down innovation, the power and the decision-making rests with the few rather than the many.
"The incentives are all wrong, the incentives are to keep kids online for as long as possible, to farm and process your thinking, your thoughts and literally keep you there for as long as possible so they can make as much money as possible."
Spending watchdog demand answers from Crown Estate
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:14 , Jane DaltonA parliamentary committee has questioned whether Prince Andrew should still be living in a mansion on the Windsor Estate, on which he pays a “peppercorn” rent.
The Public Accounts Committee of MPs raised concerns with the Crown Estate - which manages the monarch's public property - and the Treasury.
The cross-party parliamentary committee said it expected a response "at the earliest possible date" and set a November 28 deadline.
"It is reasonable ... at this point that the committee seek assurance that the rationale for the lease justifies the minimal rent charged," the letter said.
"There is considerable and understandable public interest in the spending of public money in relation to Prince Andrew."
The intervention marks a significant change in convention, which dictates that MPs do not criticise the royal family in parliament, and it could increase pressure on Andrew to move to a smaller property.
King and Camilla visit Hindu temple
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:31 , Jane DaltonThe King and Queen were garlanded with flowers when they celebrated the 30th anniversary of a landmark Hindu temple with its devotees.
Charles and Camilla wished worshippers a belated "Happy Diwali" - the Hindu festival of lights celebrated earlier this month - when they toured BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in West London, popularly known as the Neasden temple.
A priest dressed in flowing orange robes placed a garland of roses and carnations around the neck of the King while the Queen's floral gift was presented by a female senior volunteer.
Watch: King heckled over Andrew’s relationship with Epstein
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:58 , Jane DaltonRecap: Prince Andrew hosted Epstein at Royal Lodge ‘days before his arrest’
Wednesday 29 October 2025 15:30 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein at Royal Lodge while he was wanted on suspicion of sexual assault of a minor, new reports say.
Epstein, who attended alongside Harvey Weinstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, was arrested eight days after the event in 2006.
He visited as part of Andrew’s daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations, according to the BBC.
In 2019, Andrew told BBC Newsnight he was “not aware” Epstein was wanted at the time.
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Prince Andrew – they must not do so again
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:30 , Athena Stavrou
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Andrew – they must not do so again
Parliament’s spending watchdog raises ‘value for money’ concern over Royal Lodge
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:27 , Athena StavrouParliament’s spending watchdog has raised concerns over the value for money of Prince Andrew’s living arrangements amid a furore over his “peppercorn” rent at Royal Lodge.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has written to the Treasury and the Crown Estate asking them to explain the rationale behind the lease arrangements on the 30-room mansion.
In a letter published on Wednesday, PAC chairman and Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “There is considerable and understandable public interest in the spending of public money in relation to Prince Andrew, which in part stems from the fact that he is no longer a working Royal and from serious and disturbing allegations made against him,” he said.
He asked “that you write to us providing an update on the status of, and rationale for, the lease”.
In his letter, Sir Geoffrey said the Crown Estate has a duty to manage its land “according to the best consideration of money or money’s worth which in their opinion can be reasonably obtained.”
He went on: “We are therefore concerned as to whether the lease arrangements for Royal Lodge are, in light of recent developments and changes in the responsibilities of Prince Andrew, achieving the best value for money.
“They must also be justifiable in comparison to other options for the use or disposal of the property.
“It is also a matter of concern to the Committee that the terms of the lease, including those relating to maintenance, are being effectively enforced to maintain the value and character of this nationally important royal residence.”
The Treasury and the Crown Estate have been contacted for comment.
Explained: How could Prince Andrew be formally stripped of his titles?
Wednesday 29 October 2025 13:28 , Athena StavrouPrince Andrew has voluntarily given up his title as the Duke of York, but pressure is growing to have the title removed by law.
Sean O’Grady explains how that might happen below...
Who has previously lived in Frogmore Cottage?
Wednesday 29 October 2025 11:27 , Athena StavrouFrogmore Cottage was first used by Queen Charlotte and her unwed daughters as a retreat. Later, American theologian Henry James Sr and his family leased the property in the mid-1840s.
In 1897, Queen Victoria’s personal secretary Abdul Karim moved into the house with his wife and father.
It also became a refuge for Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna, who stayed there in the 1920s while under exile from Russia after the Russian Revolution.
Frogmore Cottage was divided into five separate housing units in the early 21st century and was occupied by Windsor estate workers.
In 2019, Harry and Meghan renovated it prior to the birth of their first child, Archie. But since they stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to Montecito, the house has been largely unoccupied.
However, it was reported that Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack Brooksbank moved into the property in 2021 after they had their first child.
This appeared to be a temporary arrangement, as reports said they moved out only a few weeks later.
King and Queen to visit temple today
Wednesday 29 October 2025 10:30 , Athena StavrouThe King and Queen are set to visit a Hindu temple in London this morning.
Charles and Camilla will visit Neasden Temple in north west London to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
We’ll bring you the latest updates on the visit here.
On a visit earlier this week, Charles was heckled by a member of the public about Prince Andrew’s ties to Epstein.
ICYMI: King heckled over brother's Epstein ties
Wednesday 29 October 2025 09:28 , Athena StavrouKing Charles was heckled by a protester earlier this week, asking about Prince Andrew's ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
As he shook hands with people during a visit to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire on Monday, Charles was asked whether he had asked police to “cover up” for his brother.
In a video of the incident a protester can be heard shouting: "How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein? Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?
"Should MPs be allowed to debate the royals in the House of Commons?"
The King, who was a few feet away, did not respond to the questions and other people could be heard telling the heckler to “go away" and to "shut up".
Prince William 'put pressure on' Beatrice and Eugenie's titles in bid to remove Andrew from Royal Lodge, reports claim
Wednesday 29 October 2025 08:30 , Athena StavrouPrince William reportedly told Andrew’s daughters Beatrice and Eugenie he would need to examine their titles if they did not put pressure on their father to leave Royal Lodge, according to reports.
Journalist Emily Maitlis, who conducted the famous Newsnight interview with Andrew in 2019, told the News Agents podcast: “There was a question over whether earlier in the day, a meeting between Prince William and the princesses, Beatrice and Eugenie, saying you guys have got to get your dad to move out of Royal Lodge otherwise we will start re-examining the state if your own titles.”
Recap: Prince Andrew could face Commons scrutiny over title and peppercorn-rent mansion
Wednesday 29 October 2025 07:44 , Athena StavrouMPs could debate Prince Andrew’s conduct, his 30-room mansion and the possibility of stripping him of his dukedom.
The Government has so far refused to allocate time in the House of Commons for MPs to discuss Andrew’s situation because the royal family wants Parliament to focus on “important issues”.
But the issue could be raised on one of the days when ministers are not in control of the parliamentary timetable.
A Liberal Democrat source indicated to the Sunday Times that the party could be prepared to use one of its opposition days to allow MPs to discuss Andrew’s behaviour.
Meghan launches first festive collection with nod to wedding
Wednesday 29 October 2025 07:37 , Athena StavrouThe Duchess of Sussex has unveiled her first festive collection with lifestyle brand As Ever, including a nod to her 2018 wedding.
Meghan’s holiday range includes new additions such as two candles inspired by her wedding date and her birthday, retailing for £48 each.
The signature candle — named 519 — is said to be “inspired by the ease and joy of a day that holds Meghan’s most cherished memories — her wedding day, May 19,” according to the company’s website.
Expanding her range of spreads, the duchess has introduced a Signature Fruit Spread Gift Set containing raspberry, orange marmalade and strawberry varieties for £31.
Elsewhere in the collection, she’s launched a wildflower and orange blossom Honey Duo Gift Set priced at £46.
Comment: Prince Andrew is in danger of dragging the late Queen’s name down with him
Wednesday 29 October 2025 04:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Prince Andrew is in danger of dragging the late Queen’s name down with him
All the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up
Wednesday 29 October 2025 03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEarlier this month, Prince Andrew relinquished all of his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
While he is still a prince, Andrew will no longer use his Duke of York title, but he will still retain his dukedom, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
You can read about all of the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up below...
Comment: Prince Andrew can’t outrun Epstein’s shadow or America’s questions
Wednesday 29 October 2025 02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew can’t outrun Epstein’s shadow or America’s questions
Workers 'frantically' getting Frogmore Cottage ready for Andrew, reports say
Wednesday 29 October 2025 01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWorkers have been in and out of Frogmore Cottage for “weeks” getting ready for Prince Andrew, reports say.
Sources told The Sun people have been working “day and night” in the cottage, which is believed to be a likely option for Prince Andrew’s next home.
“People have been inside Frogmore Cottage working day and night,” the source said. “Over the weekend the lights were on after dark.
“And workmen have been coming and going for weeks. It shouldn’t need a lot of work done as Harry and Meghan spent £2.4million on repairs just six years ago and no one has lived there since, apart from the few months Princess Eugenie was there during lockdown.”
Harry and Meghan, who lived in the cottage between April 2019 and March 2020, reportedly spent £2.4 million on renovations.
Recap: Downing Street dismisses calls for MPs to be given time to debate Prince Andrew
Wednesday 29 October 2025 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Downing Street dismisses calls for MPs to be given time to debate Prince Andrew
Watch: Epstein survivor calls on Prince Andrew to give information on 'what he saw' in mansion
Tuesday 28 October 2025 23:03 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRecap: Four out of five Britons want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom
Tuesday 28 October 2025 22:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFour out of five Brits want Prince Andrew to be formally stripped of his dukedom, a poll from YouGov revealed.
The prince has already announced his intention to stop using the Duke of York title - but only an Act of Parliament can remove it officially.
The survey showed that 63 per cent of nearly 6,700 adults questioned were “strongly” in favour of formal removal of the dukedom and 17 per cent “somewhat” supporting the idea, while 6 per cent were opposed to it – 4 per cent somewhat and 2 per cent strongly – and 14 per cent did not know.
The Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Prince Andrew – they must not do so again
Tuesday 28 October 2025 21:04 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Met failed Virginia Giuffre when she accused Andrew – they must not do so again
Where is Frogmore Cottage?
Tuesday 28 October 2025 20:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe cottage is located on the Frogmore estate, part of Home Park in Windsor, England.
It was built near Frogmore House under the Queen Charlotte’s orders.
However, it was not always known as its current name. It was originally named Double Garden Cottage.
In 1875, Queen Victoria had breakfast there. A volume of letters written by her, it was revealed that she had seen an “immense number of little frogs” during her brief time there, which she found “quite disgusting”.
Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
Tuesday 28 October 2025 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew is said to be in “advanced talks” over his exit from Royal Lodge after his rent-free arrangement was revealed.
But where would he go? Harriette Boucher takes a look at the disgraced royal’s options.
Frogmore Cottage? Where Prince Andrew could move to if he leaves Royal Lodge
Watch: Demonstrators protest outside Prince Andrew's Windsor home
Tuesday 28 October 2025 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMet Police looking into allegations of a bid to smear Giuffre
Tuesday 28 October 2025 19:04 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Met Police have confirmed they are “actively looking” into fresh allegations that Andrew tried to use his police bodyguard to smear his accuser.
The Mail on Sunday claims to have seen leaked emails from 2011 in which Andrew said he had handed over Giuffre’s confidential social security number (SSN) and date of birth to his taxpayer-funded Met Police protection officer, apparently in a bid to dig up dirt on her.
Andrew reportedly wrote in an email to Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary: “It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States. I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”
Giuffre’s family have said she does not have a criminal record, and it is not clear whether or not the bodyguard complied with the request.
Can Prince Andrew be evicted from Royal Lodge?
Tuesday 28 October 2025 19:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDespite mounting pressure on Prince Andrew to leave Royal Lodge, he cannot be forced out due to his existing lease agreement.
Andrew and his family have a 75-year lease of the 30-bedroom Royal Lodge in Windsor, allowing them to live in the property until 2078.
He paid £1m for the lease, and beyond that, rent was set at a “peppercorn” if demanded.
The agreement also contains a clause which states the crown estate would have to pay Andrew around £558,000 if he gave up the lease.
Speaking to The Sun, a source close to Andrew said he is “willing to leave” if his demands are met. However, other sources have denied Andrew has made any demands, but that the Frogmore Cottage offer is one already on the table from Buckingham Palace.
“He is realistic and knows the writing is on the wall and that his time at Royal Lodge is up,” they said.
Editorial: The loss of Prince Andrew’s titles is a turning point for the monarchy
Tuesday 28 October 2025 18:02 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The loss of Prince Andrew’s titles is a turning point for the monarchy
Recap: Prince Andrew hosted Epstein at Royal Lodge ‘days before his arrest’
Tuesday 28 October 2025 17:34 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein at Royal Lodge while he was wanted on suspicion of sexual assault of a minor, new reports say.
Epstein, who attended alongside Harvey Weinstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, was arrested eight days after the event in 2006.
He visited as part of Andrew’s daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday celebrations, according to the BBC.
In 2019, Andrew told BBC Newsnight he was “not aware” Epstein was wanted at the time.
Virginia Giuffre would see Prince Andrew giving up Royal titles ‘as a victory’, says memoir co-author
Tuesday 28 October 2025 17:03 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Virginia Giuffre would see Prince Andrew giving up titles as ‘victory’
Watch: Most sensational claims against Prince Andrew from Virginia Guiffre's memoir Nobody's Girl
Tuesday 28 October 2025 16:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAll the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up
Tuesday 28 October 2025 16:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEarlier this month, Prince Andrew relinquished all of his royal titles ahead of the publication of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir.
While he is still a prince, Andrew will no longer use his Duke of York title, but he will still retain his dukedom, which can only be removed by an Act of Parliament.
You can read about all of the royal titles Prince Andrew has given up below...
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
Tuesday 28 October 2025 15:32 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrince Andrew has come under increasing scrutiny since he was caught up in the Epstein scandal in 2019.
Widely purported to be the late Queen’s favourite child, Andrew has suffered a sharp fall from grace over the last decade.
You can read the full timeline of his scandals below...
Timeline of Prince Andrew scandals: From Queen’s favourite to Epstein allegations
