Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have reportedly rejected demands from Prince William for a 'clean break' from the senior working royals, as their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces ongoing scandal over his living arrangements.
William's Push for Ethics Check
Prince William has been pushing for an 'ethics check' on his cousins' finances following a National Audit Office (NAO) report that revealed King Charles pays for the princesses' accommodation. The report also found that their father, Andrew, received undisclosed private income from subletting cottages on his Royal Lodge estate while paying a peppercorn rent for over two decades.
According to the Daily Mail, William is in favour of a 'clean break' between the princesses and the senior royals, but Beatrice and Eugenie have steadfastly rejected any change in their living situations.
Sisters Resist Offer of Senior Adviser
A source told the newspaper that the sisters have resisted both an 'ethics check' and an offer from the King to provide the services of a senior adviser to protect their reputations. Eugenie, in particular, is known to be very fond of her Kensington Palace home and is reluctant to leave, even though the option of paying rent herself has been suggested.
William would prefer that Eugenie move out of the royal gated community entirely, but she remains resistant.
Royal Housing Arrangements Under Scrutiny
Princess Beatrice primarily lives in a private apartment at St James's Palace with her husband. The King currently pays rent for both properties based on out-of-date valuations, according to the NAO. Eugenie's rent for Ivy Cottage was based on a 2018 valuation until this year, while Beatrice's apartment was based on a 2020 valuation.
- Eugenie's rent was 50% of the 2018 open market value from 2020-2021, ranging to 63% in 2025.
- Beatrice's rent was 60% of the 2020 market value from 2020-2021, ranging to 68% in 2025.
- Current rates are 64% of a 2026 valuation for Eugenie and 68% for Beatrice.
Both rents are paid to the Royal Household by Charles out of the Privy Purse, derived from his Duchy of Lancaster income and other private funds.
