MPs on a powerful parliamentary select committee are reportedly “pushing hard” to launch an inquiry into Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge, according to sources. The public accounts committee, which scrutinises public spending, is gathering support to examine the financial arrangements of the property, where Andrew has lived rent-free for over 20 years.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated openness to MPs questioning Andrew in person about his home in Windsor Great Park. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer supported the idea of proper scrutiny of crown properties, though his spokesperson did not explicitly confirm endorsement of a select committee inquiry.
The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey wrote to committee chair Geoffrey Clifton-Brown calling for an inquiry, stating that “proper transparency is urgently needed.” Former committee chair Margaret Hodge has also criticised Andrew’s living arrangements. The prince leased Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate in 2003 for 75 years with a £1m payment, paying a nominal “peppercorn” rent annually.
Pressure has intensified following fresh allegations in the memoir of Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, who claims she had sex with Andrew on three occasions. Andrew denies any wrongdoing. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday that people should “pay their way” regarding the residence.
Committee sources indicate that the agenda is full until the new year, but an opportunity may arise when the National Audit Office publishes its review of the Crown Estate. A spokesperson for Kemi Badenoch suggested the NAO should refresh its 2005 report into the lease deal.
