MPs are now pressing for clarifications regarding Prince Andrew’s no-rent agreement at Royal Lodge amidst the “serious and troubling accusations” against him.
The disgraced royal is under increasing pressure to vacate his 30-room Windsor estate due to the controversy surrounding his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the nominal rent deal he has with the Crown Estate, where he has made minimal payments for over two decades.
The influential Parliamentary watchdog, known as the ‘queen of select committees,’ has urged the Treasury and Crown Estate to provide explanations regarding Andrew’s advantageous lease.
There are concerns arising about whether Andrew’s tenancy at Royal Lodge is causing the public to miss out on potential profits, as revenues from the Crown Estate are typically allocated to the Treasury for public expenditure.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), responsible for overseeing the prudent utilization of taxpayers’ funds, has requested an update on the status and reasoning behind the lease for the luxurious property.
In a communication, PAC chairman Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown expressed, “There is significant public interest in the use of public funds concerning Prince Andrew, particularly in light of his non-active royal status and the serious allegations against him.”
He further emphasized that the Crown Estate is obligated to manage its properties to maximize financial returns. The committee is particularly interested in assessing whether the terms of Andrew’s lease agreement for Royal Lodge align with current circumstances and offer the best value in comparison to alternative uses of the property.
The PAC, renowned for ensuring government spending efficiency, will decide on its course of action after receiving responses from the Crown Estate and Treasury by the deadline of November 28.
In 2003, Andrew paid £1 million for a 75-year lease on the Royal Lodge mansion and has since only paid a nominal “peppercorn” rent “if requested” annually.
Pressure is mounting on the monarchy to address the controversies surrounding Andrew, with some Members of Parliament keen to discuss the matter in the parliamentary chambers.
Earlier this month, Andrew renounced his Duke of York title following allegations of sexual misconduct with Virginia Giuffre before the release of her posthumous memoir.
Despite his denial of the allegations, Andrew’s living arrangements have become a focal point of the ongoing controversy. Discussions are reportedly ongoing with royal representatives for his departure from Royal Lodge, where he has resided for over two decades under a long-term lease agreement.
The situation escalated when the King faced criticism from a member of the public outside Lichfield Cathedral over his knowledge of Andrew’s affiliation with Epstein.
Andrew had claimed in a widely-publicized interview that he cut ties with Epstein in 2010; however, recent revelations suggest he corresponded with Epstein in 2011, undermining his earlier statements. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, passed away in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Giuffre’s memoir, where she details alleged encounters with Andrew, was published shortly after he relinquished his royal title. Andrew remains steadfast in refuting all accusations against him.
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