A major parliamentary inquiry has been launched into the accommodation arrangements of senior royals, following public fury over the financial terms enjoyed by Prince Andrew at his Windsor home.
Pandora's Box Opened on Royal Finances
The investigation, initiated by the powerful public accounts committee, was triggered by a damning report compiled by the Crown Estate itself. It will scrutinise all royal homes owned by the estate, with MPs vowing to leave no stone unturned. The probe has been dramatically dubbed the 'opening of Pandora's box' for the monarchy's finances.
At the heart of the scandal is Prince Andrew's tenancy at the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. The Duke of York has been paying a controversially low 'peppercorn rent' for the luxurious property, a deal that ignited widespread public anger and directly led to the wider investigation.
Wales and Edinburghs Under Scrutiny
The inquiry's remit is broad and will directly examine the property arrangements of other working royals. MPs will investigate the deal secured by the Prince and Princess of Wales for their new family home, Forest Lodge, also located within Windsor Great Park.
Furthermore, the rent-free arrangement enjoyed by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at their sprawling Bagshot Park mansion will come under the committee's microscope. This signifies a unprecedented level of parliamentary scrutiny applied to the private living arrangements of the Royal Family.
Public Outrage Fuels Political Action
The decision to launch the inquiry underscores the level of political and public concern over the use of publicly-held assets and the fairness of the deals offered to royals. The Crown Estate's own report into its royal properties provided the catalyst for MPs to act.
As the debate rages, the Daily Mail is conducting a poll on accommodation arrangements for the Royal Family. This follows a previous poll where 87% of more than 16,000 readers voted 'no' when asked if jury trials should be scrapped for all but the most serious cases, with just 13% voting 'yes'.
