Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has relinquished another Crown Estate property lease following his departure from Royal Lodge last year. The former Duke of York has requested to terminate his lease on East Lodge, a Grade II-listed cottage rental near Sunninghill Park in Berkshire, costing £13,000 annually. This marks the second Crown Estate property he has given up, with the first being Royal Lodge.

After nearly 30 years of tenancy, questions arise about how he managed to afford the property, as lease documents reveal that the rent increased significantly over the years. The property, situated close to his former residence in Sunninghill Park, was reportedly utilized for staff accommodation.

Andrew continued to hold the tenancy of East Lodge even after leaving Royal Lodge late last year. This situation has raised concerns about his financial capacity, as the rent for East Lodge exceeded half of his declared annual income. His departure from Royal Lodge in 2025 was prompted by ongoing controversies surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

Despite denying any wrongdoing related to Epstein, Andrew faced financial challenges after King Charles III revoked his £1 million royal allowance in 2024. He was left with only his declared £20,000 annual Naval pension to cover expenses like the 30-bedroom mansion and a security bill of approximately £3 million annually.

Documents showed that Andrew paid a nominal rent for Royal Lodge for over two decades under a 75-year lease agreement. The rent for East Lodge was subject to inflation adjustments and had increased to £12,922 by late August 2025, surpassing typical rental prices in the area.

Andrew’s tenancy of East Lodge was scheduled to end in July 2027 but is now set to conclude early following BBC scrutiny. The Crown Estate confirmed receiving a request for the lease’s premature termination.