Prince Andrew is believed to have held secret discussions with King Charles regarding the rent-free living arrangements of his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, according to a royal expert. The 66-year-old has faced intense scrutiny over his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a controversy that has also impacted his daughters behind closed doors.
National Audit Office Report Reveals Royal Living Costs
A recent report by the National Audit Office on royal residences has brought to light surprising details about the Windsors' living situations. The report disclosed that Beatrice and Eugenie do not pay rent for their royal apartments, with King Charles covering the full cost. Beatrice, 37, resides in a four-bedroom apartment at St James' Palace, while Eugenie, 36, lives in Ivy Cottage, a three-bedroom home within Kensington Palace's grounds.
King Charles Continues Arrangement From Queen Elizabeth's Reign
The arrangement is said to have been agreed upon during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles has continued it. Reacting to the report, royal author Andrew Lownie described the situation as 'extraordinary'. He told the Mirror: 'The King will say, well, I can house my family as I wish. But I think he just has to be aware of the optics of using this money, which there's a big debate about whether this money belongs to the exchequer or to the family itself.'
Lownie, author of the explosive biography Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, suggested that there may have been a pivotal moment during discussions. He added: 'Perhaps some deal was done, take care of my daughters, and I'll fall on my sword.'
Andrew's Subletting of Royal Lodge Properties
The report also revealed that Andrew had been subletting three properties on the Royal Lodge estate, though his actual income from these arrangements was not disclosed. Andrew previously lived at Royal Lodge before his eviction earlier this year due to his Epstein connections. All tenants had vacated the cottages by April this year, according to auditors.
Lownie questioned why non-working royals like Beatrice and Eugenie continue to receive such perks when other non-working royals do not. The royal author emphasized the need for the King to be mindful of public perception regarding the use of funds that may belong to the exchequer.
