Pressure is mounting on Prince Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge as MPs demand he no longer receive taxpayer funding. This comes after revelations that the Duke of York has not paid rent for the grace-and-favour residence for over two decades, reports BritPanorama.
Calls for Andrew’s removal intensified in Westminster, where anger over his financial arrangements has reached a boiling point. Criticism has arisen from various political factions, particularly directed at the “disgraced” royal’s continued residency without any rental payments since 2003.
Leading the charge, Conservative MP Robert Jenrick decried: “I don’t see why the taxpayer frankly should continue to foot the bill. The public are sick of Prince Andrew.” The Liberal Democrats echoed this sentiment, insisting he should refund every penny in unpaid rent while he has brought disgrace to his office.
Despite having paid a significant initial amount for the property and its refurbishment, Andrew’s maintenance of the estate on a nominal “peppercorn” rent has provoked outrage among taxpayers. His failure to contribute financially since stepping back from royal duties in 2019 has been met with increasing disapproval, especially as accusations surrounding his past interactions, particularly with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, resurface.
As the fallout continues, The Times noted that Andrew’s rent arrangement was revealed following a disclosure from the Crown Estate, which manages the properties on behalf of taxpayers. Jenrick has insisted on immediate eviction, asserting that the Duke should no longer enjoy the privileges of public funding for such luxurious accommodations.
“It’s about time Prince Andrew took himself off to live in private and make his own way in life,” Jenrick stated. “He has disgraced himself, he has embarrassed the Royal Family time and again.” He further added that “the King deserves great respect and admiration for the way he has handled this” situation.
While it is acknowledged that the Duke invested heavily in both the lease and refurbishment of Royal Lodge, his current financial inactivity raises significant questions about his entitlement to live rent-free. The Crown Estate has affirmed that the lease is now operating at a “nil” value.
Calls for accountability are resonating throughout Westminster, as more MPs argue that Andrew must publicly acknowledge his past and contribute to the expenses related to the estate. Lib Dem MP Lisa Smart remarked that Andrew’s failure to act appropriately has betrayed the British public’s values, suggesting that his ongoing presence in public life remains an increasing source of embarrassment.
A review by the National Audit Office in 2005 confirmed that the lease terms were scrutinized by independent advisers, with a directive to ensure proper management of Royal Lodge remained intact. However, this oversight is now called into question, as revelations about Andrew’s extensive lack of rent reinforce the perceived injustice of his situation.
