Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under pressure to disclose the earnings he made from subletting cottages at Royal Lodge for over two decades. The former Duke of York profited from renting out three cottages on the Crown Estate property without paying substantial rent, a situation that has raised concerns about transparency.
The National Audit Office recently revealed this arrangement in a report following an inquiry by the Public Accounts Committee into the Crown Estate’s dealings with the royal family. Mountbatten-Windsor, who recently lost his titles due to scandalous associations, was found to have underpaid rent for Royal Lodge, leading to questions about financial accountability.
Former committee chair, Baroness Margaret Hodge, expressed worries over the lack of clarity regarding the income generated from the cottage rentals. She emphasized the importance of transparency in modern royal affairs and called for full disclosure of financial details.
Despite efforts to keep the subletting arrangements private, there are calls for Mountbatten-Windsor to disclose the profits made and expenses incurred in maintaining the cottages. Royal expert Jennie Bond highlighted the need for transparency in light of the situation and urged the palace to compel Andrew to reveal financial details.
In a related finding, it was disclosed that the King covers the accommodation expenses for Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in royal residences, even though both daughters are not working royals. The arrangement, initiated by the late Queen, involves the Privy Purse paying rent for the York sisters, a situation that has raised questions about the necessity of such support given the women’s independent lives and successful careers.
