Prince Andrew is reportedly in advanced discussions with King Charles’s senior aides about vacating his Royal Lodge home, following intense scrutiny over his 'peppercorn' rent arrangement. The 30-room Windsor Great Park mansion has become a focus of controversy due to the prince’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the posthumous 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 nominal 'one peppercorn' annual rent. The lease, which runs until 2078, is understood to be 'cast iron', meaning he cannot be evicted.
Buckingham Palace is reportedly increasing pressure on the prince to give up the residence voluntarily, with daily discussions about his living arrangements taking place since the revelations emerged. According to the Telegraph, while Andrew initially resisted, saying he was entitled to stay, negotiations continue with a growing sense that he will eventually leave. Royal sources have noted a 'renewed determination' to force him out.
Downing Street stated on Thursday that MPs will not be given House of Commons time to debate Andrew’s situation, as the royal family wishes parliament to focus on 'important issues'. King Charles is believed to have been trying for some time to persuade his brother to move. If forced out, Andrew would be entitled to £558,000 under the lease terms, but it remains unclear where he and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, would go, given the King has reportedly withdrawn financial support.
The royal family attempted to draw a line under the Epstein controversy last week when Andrew voluntarily relinquished his titles and honours, including Duke of York, which remain extant but inactive. However, calls persist for their complete removal via legislation. The announcement followed revelations that Andrew emailed Epstein in 2011 saying 'we’re in this together', three months after claiming to have cut all contact. Virginia Giuffre’s memoir repeated allegations, which Andrew denies, that she was forced to have sex with him three times, including as a minor.
