The Public Accounts Committee has announced an inquiry into the Crown Estate's property leases to members of the royal family, following scrutiny over the lease of Royal Lodge to Prince Andrew. Committee chair Geoffrey Clifton-Brown stated that information received from the Crown Estate and Treasury forms the basis for an investigation, which will take place in the new year.
The Crown Estate confirmed that Prince Andrew is unlikely to receive compensation for surrendering his 75-year lease on Royal Lodge early, due to required repairs on the 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park. Andrew paid a £1m premium and £7.5m for refurbishment in 2003, with a peppercorn rent if demanded. The estate noted that end-of-tenancy dilapidations mean he will likely not be owed any compensation, though he would have been entitled to £488,342.21 if no repairs were needed.
Details of other royal properties were also disclosed, including Forest Lodge, leased to the Prince and Princess of Wales on a 20-year non-assignable lease at open market rent. The Crown Estate said negotiations were conducted at arm's length. Bagshot Park and Thatched House Lodge were also mentioned. The inquiry will examine value for money for taxpayers and may call witnesses, though there is no precedent for a royal family member giving evidence, and the committee cannot compel attendance.
