Royal Sub-Letting Scandal Sparks Public Outrage
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have ignited a fierce controversy after it emerged they are generating £130,000 per year by sub-letting stables on their sprawling £30 million estate. Prince Edward and Sophie have advertised the East Wing stables at Bagshot Park in Surrey as premium office space, charging £10,834 monthly, which totals £130,008 annually. This revelation has provoked widespread criticism, as Crown Estate revenues are traditionally meant to flow to the Treasury, ensuring taxpayers benefit from royal profits.
Luxury Estate Details and Listing
The stables are situated on the couple's expansive 51-acre estate, approximately 400 metres from the main residence, which boasts 120 rooms. An advertisement viewed by the Daily Mail describes the property as a 'Grade II Listed Office Building with modern finishes, fibre connectivity, set within the landscaped grounds of Bagshot Park'. The location is highlighted as being off the A30 London Road, with the M3 motorway just a three-minute drive away, and within walking distance of a train station and Bagshot town centre.
Constructed in 1890, the two-storey building offers 6,667 square feet of space. The brochure details a mixed configuration of open-plan and cellular offices, meeting rooms, a comms room with dedicated fibre connectivity, reception areas, kitchens, break-out zones, tea points, and multiple WCs with showers. Externally, tenants enjoy a private garden and parking for 25-30 vehicles, with additional spaces available under separate licence.
Political and Public Backlash
The listing has drawn furious backlash, with former Liberal Democrat home affairs minister Norman Baker labelling it an 'outrage'. Baker argued that any profits from sub-letting should go to taxpayers, who are 'losing out'. He emphasised, 'It's an outrage they pay a peppercorn rent as it is and now Edward and Sophie are free to rake in £130,000 for a stable block as part of the deal. It is outrageous.'
This incident follows the Public Accounts Committee's announcement in December last year of an investigation into the Crown Estate and its leases to royal family members, prompted by questions over Prince Andrew's lease of Royal Lodge. Baker urged the committee to scrutinise such leases, stating they should 'take into account leases and see which are unnecessary and unjustified when ordinary people are struggling to pay bills.'
Expert Insights and Royal Response
Royal expert Margaret Holder described the East Wing stables as 'a nice little earner' for the Duke and Duchess, especially given their 'peppercorn rent' arrangement. She noted that 'the system in place' permits them to profit from sub-letting, which 'isn't Sophie or Edward's fault'.
In response, a royal source told the Mail that the property is not currently rented or on the market. They explained that the 'peppercorn' rent payment is standard practice for long-leasehold residential properties where significant capital investment is made or a premium is paid instead of market rent. This token payment ensures the lease is legally binding, as contracts require consideration.
The scandal underscores ongoing tensions between royal privileges and public accountability, with calls for greater transparency in how Crown Estate assets are managed and monetised.
