MPs consider investigation as reports claim he only covered water bills despite long-term lease
New revelations have surfaced about Prince Andrew’s financial dealings at Royal Lodge, his Windsor estate home. Following his recent decision to relinquish his royal titles and honours amid ongoing controversy tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York is now facing questions over how little he has contributed toward the property’s upkeep.
According to reports, Andrew has only been paying his water bills “from time to time,” amounting to roughly £743 a year — about £14,860 over the two decades he’s lived there. The disclosures have prompted calls from MPs for closer scrutiny of the Crown Estate’s management of his lease.
Documents obtained by The Times reveal that Andrew initially paid £1 million for the lease and spent around £7.5 million on renovations completed in 2005. Despite those investments, he has been under increasing pressure to vacate the residence.
Members of the Commons Treasury and Public Accounts Committees have now suggested that Parliament should examine whether taxpayer interests are being properly protected.
“Where money flows, particularly where taxpayers’ money or interests are involved, Parliament has a responsibility to have a light shine upon that,” said Dame Meg Hillier, Chair of the Treasury Committee, during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
