Income from Royal Cottages Raises Concerns for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as a prince, faced scrutiny for renting out three cottages at Royal Lodge, Windsor, according to a report by a British public spending watchdog. Despite residing rent-free, he generated income from these properties.

Mountbatten-Windsor, sibling to King Charles III, lived in a 30-room house on the Royal Lodge estate until February. His departure followed new disclosures about his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

The National Audit Office released findings on Friday, detailing that the cottages were leased out with earnings going to Mountbatten-Windsor. The report noted these cottages have been empty since April and did not specify the rent amounts charged.

His personal rent obligation was a “peppercorn” rent, established centuries ago in Britain as a symbolic fee to validate leases. In practical terms, the lease was described as zero pounds. Notably, Mountbatten-Windsor paid £1 million (about $1.35 million) for the lease in 2003 and spent £7.5 million on refurbishments in 2005.

The report highlighted a clause in the Royal Lodge lease permitting him to sublet. Such provisions are common across various royal property leases, enabling residents to earn with consent from the Crown Estate.