The Prince and Princess of Wales have found their private living arrangements under public scrutiny, as the specific terms of their lease for Windsor's Forest Lodge have been disclosed. This revelation comes amidst a growing parliamentary inquiry into the Crown Estate's property agreements with members of the Royal Family, sparked by the controversial lease held by the Duke of York.
Parliamentary Scrutiny Sparks Royal Lease Revelations
The details of William and Kate's occupancy were brought to light following intense questioning by the Public Accounts Committee. The committee, often described as the 'queen of select committees', demanded explanations from both the Treasury and the Crown Estate regarding the lease granted to Prince Andrew for the Royal Lodge. This probe has now widened, with the committee announcing a full inquiry into the estate's leases with other royals, inadvertently pulling the Wales's agreement into the spotlight.
In a stark contrast to the arrangements for Royal Lodge, it has been confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales hold a 20-year non-assignable lease with The Crown Estate for Forest Lodge, which commenced on 5 July 2025. Crucially, they are paying an "open market rent" for the Grade II-listed mansion, which became their primary private residence during the October half-term break. The family relocated there from their previous home at Adelaide Cottage.
A Tale of Two Royal Leases
The disparity between the two Windsor leases is pronounced. Prince Andrew's situation at the nearby Royal Lodge has been a focal point of controversy. It emerged that in 2003, he paid £1 million for a 75-year lease and has since been required to pay just "one peppercorn" of rent per year, "if demanded". This arrangement raised significant concerns about value for money with Parliament's spending watchdog.
In contrast, the process for the Wales's Forest Lodge lease was conducted rigorously. The Crown Estate stated that negotiations were conducted "on an arm’s length basis" to secure appropriate market terms. Independent valuers from leading estate agents Hamptons and Savills were appointed to assess the property's value. Both the Crown Estate and William and Kate received independent legal and property advice, with Knight Frank acting for the Prince and Princess.
Implications and Ongoing Inquiry
The Crown Estate elaborated that the lease was concluded as a 20-year Common Law Tenancy at an open market rent, subject to standard landlord and tenant repairing obligations. The commissioners had been asked to consider the lease for William and Kate's use as a primary residence after discussions with the Royal Household.
This fresh scrutiny occurs as Prince Andrew faces eviction from Royal Lodge. The Duke, whose association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to his fall from grace, is expected to spend Christmas at the Windsor mansion before relocating to a much smaller property on the King's Sandringham estate in the New Year.
The parliamentary inquiry will proceed, examining the contents of correspondence from the Crown Estate and Treasury, alongside an updated report from the National Audit Office. This will revisit its 2005 investigation titled ‘The Crown Estate – Property Leases with the Royal Family’, ensuring the financial dealings surrounding royal residences remain a subject of transparent accountability.
