Nicolai Haugsted
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s income has been revealed to the public.
Questions surrounding Prince Andrew’s former living arrangements continue to surface long after his departure from Royal Lodge.
A newly published government report has shed light on an aspect of the estate that had previously attracted little public attention: rental income generated from properties located on the grounds of the Windsor residence he once occupied.
Findings come after Andrew gave up the lease on Royal Lodge and relocated to a smaller property on King Charles’ Sandringham estate earlier this year.
According to a review conducted by the National Audit Office, three cottages located on the Royal Lodge estate were sublet while Andrew held the lease.
According to Express, report states that income generated from those properties was payable to Andrew under the terms of his agreement.
Exact figures were not disclosed, leaving unanswered questions about how much money was generated through the arrangement over the years.
Officials involved in the review said they were unable to determine what rent had been charged or whether the cottages had been occupied continuously since the lease began in 2003.
Lease Allowed the Arrangement
While the findings have sparked debate, auditors found no evidence that any rules had been broken.
Terms of the lease specifically allowed the subletting of up to three properties located on the estate.
Royal Lodge itself belongs to the Crown Estate, while Andrew held a long-term lease on the property.
Subletting arrangements reportedly came to an end in April 2026, shortly before he completed his move away from the residence.
Critics Question the Setup
Publication of the report drew criticism from former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker.
“The whole thing is outrageous. If you look at Andrew, this is adding insult to injury,” Baker said.
He added: “It shows an absolute total contempt for the taxpayer, not only that Andrew was able to have a peppercorn rent for a gigantic property, but then to make potentially millions on the side from subletting properties.”
Supporters of Andrew’s position have disputed suggestions that the arrangement generated significant profits.
Sources familiar with the matter have reportedly argued that rental payments were used primarily to cover maintenance expenses and accommodation costs for staff rather than create personal income.
No public financial breakdown has been released.
Wider Review of Royal Properties
National Audit Office review examined a broader range of residential arrangements involving members of the Royal Family.
According to the report, Andrew and his family previously had access to a portfolio of 12 royal properties through various leases and rental agreements.
Royal Household officials welcomed the publication of the findings, saying the report supports ongoing efforts to provide greater transparency around royal residences.
Representatives for the Crown Estate also said the agreements examined by auditors had been established using independent professional advice and reflected market-based valuations.
Debate surrounding Royal Lodge may continue, but the report offers one of the clearest looks yet at how the estate operated during Andrew’s years as its tenant.
