A parliamentary committee is set to investigate the Crown Estate's property dealings with the Royal Family, as new details reveal the Duke of York is unlikely to receive a substantial compensation payment for vacating his Windsor home.
Compensation Claim in Doubt Over Property Condition
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could have been entitled to £488,342.21 for surrendering the lease on the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. However, the Crown Estate has indicated that due to the condition of the property, he will probably not receive any payment.
The Duke gave the minimum twelve months' notice on 30 October 2025 that he would surrender the property. His tenancy was due to end on 30 October 2026. The compensation would only have been due if no end-of-tenancy repairs were required.
Following an inspection on 12 November 2025, the Crown Estate stated its initial assessment found the necessary dilapidations and repairs, while not unusual for a tenancy of this length, would likely negate any compensation owed for the early surrender of the lease.
Commons Inquiry into Royal Property Arrangements
The Commons Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, is launching an inquiry into the Crown Estate. This follows the submission of detailed information by Crown Estate chief executive Dan Labbad regarding properties occupied by senior royals.
The disclosed information highlighted the contrast between different royal leases. Andrew paid a peppercorn rent for Royal Lodge, which he agreed to leave amid controversy surrounding his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In contrast, the Prince and Princess of Wales's new home, Forest Lodge, also in Windsor Great Park, is leased on "appropriate market terms". William and Kate will pay an open market rent under a 20-year common law tenancy.
The Crown Estate also provided details on other royal residences, including Bagshot Park, home to the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Thatched House Lodge in Richmond Park.
Next Steps for the Investigation
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown confirmed the information received forms the basis for an inquiry, which will be supported by the National Audit Office (NAO). The committee plans to hold the inquiry in the new year once the NAO has drawn its conclusions from the evidence.
Dan Labbad welcomed the scrutiny, stating, "We very much welcome the news of the committee’s inquiry. We have provided detailed answers to the committee’s questions to date and look forward to working with the NAO."
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the matter. The Crown Estate noted that a final, thorough assessment of the Royal Lodge's condition by a dilapidations expert must be completed after Andrew vacates the property to fully validate the compensation position.
