The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, are reportedly paying a substantial rent for their "forever home" in Windsor, newly disclosed documents reveal. The couple signed a 20-year lease for Forest Lodge, a Grade II listed mansion in Windsor Great Park, in July last year. Land Registry filings now show that the annual rent has surged by nearly £100,000 compared to what the previous tenants paid.
Lease Details and Rent Increase
The lease agreement covers the main lodge as well as two cottages on the grounds, which are used for staff accommodation. According to reports, the property was previously let for £216,000 per year to Alexander Fitzgibbons, chairman of the Fait Accompli event company. While the lease was agreed upon last year, the exact rental value had remained undisclosed until now.
The Waleses have described Forest Lodge as their "forever home" and are understood to be planning an extension to the lease when it expires. The rent is paid from Prince William's private income, derived from the Duchy of Cornwall. Kensington Palace has previously stated that William pays the highest rate of tax on this private income, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed.
Historical Context and Transparency
Forest Lodge was returned to the Crown Estate by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1990s and has been let on the open market since then. William and Kate also maintain residences at Kensington Palace, their official home, and Anmer Hall in Norfolk, a wedding gift from the late Queen.
The public disclosure of the lease terms comes amid heightened scrutiny of royal property arrangements and the Crown Estate's leasing practices. Dan Labbad, chief executive of the Crown Estate, told MPs that the lease was negotiated "on an arm's length basis, to ensure appropriate market terms" following an approach from the Prince of Wales. This disclosure has sparked broader debate about transparency in royal finances, particularly concerning Crown Estate property deals involving senior members of the Royal Family.
