Duke of York ends East Lodge lease early as questions over his finances and past links continue
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly surrendered another Crown Estate property as attention on his financial arrangements continues to intensify.
While currently living at Wood Farm, Andrew decided to end the lease on East Lodge ahead of schedule, cutting another tie with property linked to the Crown Estate.
The cottage, located near his former residence at Sunninghill Park in Berkshire, had been rented for £13,000 a year. Andrew moved away from Sunninghill Park to Royal Lodge in 2004, but the small property remained under his lease.
According to the BBC, the house has typically been used to accommodate staff. Situated about five miles from Windsor, the property may also attract interest from MPs who are examining matters related to Andrew’s finances.
Andrew’s finances face fresh scrutiny
A formal inquiry is expected to begin later this year through the Public Accounts Committee. Its chairman, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, said the investigation into royal property leases is intended to improve transparency around matters of public interest and ensure taxpayers receive value for money.
Reports suggest another factor behind Andrew’s decision to end the lease could be a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC seeking details about the property arrangement.
The Crown Estate confirmed the change, saying it had received a request to consider ending the lease earlier than planned.
At the same time, Andrew’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has continued to cast a shadow over his financial dealings, prompting closer attention to how his arrangements are managed.
Andrew first took on the tenancy of East Lodge in 1998, and the lease had originally been due to run until July 2027.
