Prince Andrew is reportedly in advanced discussions with senior aides of King Charles about vacating his Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park, following increased scrutiny over his 'peppercorn' rent tenancy. The 30-room mansion has been a focal point of controversy due to Andrew's links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the recent publication of memoirs by his accuser, Virginia Giuffre.
The public accounts committee has confirmed it is writing to the Crown Estate and the Treasury after it emerged that Andrew paid £1 million for the lease in 2003 and undertook £7.5 million in refurbishment costs, but has since paid only a symbolic 'one peppercorn' rent annually, if demanded. Buckingham Palace is reportedly intensifying pressure on Andrew to voluntarily give up the residence, which he cannot be evicted from due to a 'cast iron' lease until 2078.
According to the Telegraph, discussions over his living arrangements have been held daily since the revelations this week. While Andrew initially resisted, insisting on his right to remain until the lease ends, negotiations continue with a growing sense that he will eventually move out. Royal sources cited a 'renewed determination' to force him out. If he leaves, he would be entitled to £558,000 under the lease terms.
The question remains where Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who also lives at Royal Lodge, would go. It is unclear how Andrew would pay rent elsewhere, as the King reportedly withdrew financial support last year. Downing Street stated on Thursday that MPs would not be given parliamentary time to discuss Andrew's situation, as the royal family wishes Parliament to focus on 'important issues'.
Andrew announced last week he would voluntarily relinquish his titles and honours, including Duke of York, following revelations that he emailed Epstein in 2011 saying 'we're in this together' months after claiming to have cut ties. This came just before the publication of Giuffre's memoir, in which she repeated allegations of being forced to have sex with Andrew, which he denies. Andrew settled a civil assault case with Giuffre in 2022 for millions, with no admission of liability. Giuffre died by suicide in April at age 41.
