Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Subletting Controversy at Royal Lodge

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously a prince, has been found to have rented out three cottages at his residence at Royal Lodge, although he did not pay rent himself. This revelation comes from a report by a British public spending watchdog.

Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor, brother to King Charles III, resided in the extensive 30-room Royal Lodge estate in Windsor until he was removed in February. This action followed new information regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

The National Audit Office, which monitors public spending, released a report on Friday. It confirmed that Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor earned income from renting cottages on the property. According to the report, “In the case of Royal Lodge, three cottages on the estate were sublet with income generated payable to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.” However, these cottages have been empty since April, and the report stated, “We do not know what rent was charged.”

Despite these activities, Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor himself had only to pay a “peppercorn” rent. This term refers to a historic British legal practice where a nominal fee ensures a lease is valid. The audit office explained that, in reality, the lease amounted to zero pounds. Although he did not pay rent, he did purchase the lease for £1 million (around $1.35 million) in 2003. Additionally, in 2005, Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor invested £7.5 million into refurbishing the property.

The lease agreement for Royal Lodge included a provision allowing the subletting of the property. Similar terms are found in other royal leases, which enable residents to generate income with approval from the Crown Estate.