Prince Andrew is reportedly in advanced discussions with senior aides of King Charles III about vacating his Royal Lodge home, following a week of intense scrutiny over his nominal 'peppercorn' rent. The 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park has become a focus of controversy due to Andrew's past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the posthumous publication of his accuser Virginia Giuffre's memoirs.
Buckingham Palace is said to be increasing pressure on the prince to voluntarily give up the residence, although his lease with the Crown Estate is reportedly 'cast iron' until 2078, preventing eviction. The Public Accounts Committee has confirmed it is writing to the Crown Estate and the Treasury after it emerged Andrew paid £1m for the lease in 2003 and was required to fund £7.5m in refurbishments, but has since paid only a symbolic peppercorn rent if demanded annually.
According to reports, discussions over his living arrangements have been held daily since the revelations earlier this week. While Andrew initially resisted, insisting on his right to live there until the lease's end, negotiations continue with a growing sense of inevitability that he will move out. Royal sources have noted a 'renewed determination' to force him out.
Downing Street stated on Thursday that MPs would not be given parliamentary time to discuss Andrew's situation, as the royal family wishes Parliament to focus on 'important issues'. King Charles has reportedly tried for some time to persuade his brother to leave. Should Andrew be forced out, the lease terms entitle him to £558,000.
Questions remain about where Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who also resides at Royal Lodge, would go. It is unclear how he would pay rent, as his income is unknown and the King is understood to have withdrawn financial support last year. The royal family sought to distance itself from the Epstein controversy when Andrew voluntarily relinquished his titles and honours, including Duke of York, though calls persist for their complete removal, which would require legislation.
