MPs on the public accounts committee are “pushing hard” to launch an inquiry into Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge, the Guardian understands. The committee, which scrutinises public spending, is gathering support to examine the financial arrangements of the prince’s home in Windsor Great Park, where he has lived for more than 20 years without paying rent.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he is open to MPs questioning Prince Andrew in person. At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Starmer responded to Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey’s call for a select committee inquiry, saying: “It’s important in relation to all properties, crown properties, that there is proper scrutiny, and I certainly support that.”
Prince Andrew has leased Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate since 2003, making a one-off payment of £1 million for a 75-year lease and paying £7.5 million in refurbishments. He pays a nominal “one peppercorn” rent annually. If forced to leave, the Crown Estate would have to compensate him.
Ed Davey wrote to committee chair Geoffrey Clifton-Brown urging the inquiry, stating: “Proper transparency is urgently needed, and parliament has an important role to play in scrutinising the Crown Estate and ensuring that taxpayers’ interests are upheld.” Former committee chair Margaret Hodge has also criticised the arrangements.
The pressure comes amid fresh allegations in Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, where she repeated claims of sexual encounters with Andrew, which he denies. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday that people should “pay their way” regarding Andrew’s residence.
A committee source said there is growing will for an examination, though the agenda is full until the new year. An opportunity may arise when the National Audit Office publishes its review of the Crown Estate. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s spokesperson suggested the NAO refresh its 2005 report on the lease deal.
