Prince Andrew is reportedly in advanced discussions with senior aides of King Charles about vacating his Royal Lodge home, following a week of intense scrutiny over his 'peppercorn' rent arrangement. The 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park has been a source of controversy due to Andrew's links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoirs, in which she repeated allegations of sexual assault against the prince.
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 'peppercorn' rent per year. Buckingham Palace is reportedly increasing pressure on the prince 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 Andrew's living arrangements have been held daily since the revelations. While Andrew initially resisted, saying he was entitled to stay until 2078, negotiations continue with a growing sense of inevitability that he will move out. Royal sources noted a 'renewed determination' to force him out. Downing Street stated on Thursday that MPs would not be given time in the House of Commons to discuss the matter, as the royal family wishes parliament to focus on 'important issues'.
King Charles is understood to have tried for some time to persuade his brother to move. If forced out, under the lease terms Andrew would be entitled to £558,000. Questions remain over where he and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who also resides at Royal Lodge, would go. It is unclear how Andrew would pay rent, as his income sources are unknown, and the king is believed to have withdrawn financial support last year.
The royal family sought to distance itself from the Epstein controversy when Andrew announced last week he would voluntarily relinquish his titles and honours, including Duke of York, rendering them extant but inactive. However, there have been calls for their complete removal, which would require legislation. Andrew's announcement followed revelations that he had emailed Epstein in 2011 saying 'we're in this together', three months after claiming to have broken off contact.
