A royal saga has emerged that reveals a jaw-dropping lease agreement between Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, and the Crown Estate—allowing the couple to live rent-free at the sprawling Royal Lodge mansion near Windsor Castle for more than two decades. This revelation casts harsh light on the privileges and controversies surrounding the Duke and Duchess of York amid ongoing scrutiny.
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The Royal Lodge, a grand 30-room estate once home to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, has been Andrew and Sarah’s residence since 2003. Documents reviewed by multiple news outlets, including BBC and USA Today, indicate that while Prince Andrew made a substantial upfront payment of around £8 million for renovations, the lease stipulated only a nominal annual rent payment—often referred to as a "peppercorn" rent, typically as little as £1, or, in some years, no payment at all.
This 75-year lease agreement essentially provides Andrew and Sarah with lifetime residency rights at the prestigious estate with minimal financial obligations. The property’s maintenance costs, while the couple’s responsibility, reportedly cost millions over the years in upkeep and refurbishments. Despite losing royal duties and facing public backlash due to Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein and his relinquishing of titles, the lease ensures he and Sarah can remain comfortably anchored in the mansion.
Critics point to the lease as emblematic of outdated royal privileges that contrast sharply with public calls for greater accountability and austerity in the monarchy. It underscores ongoing debates about who should benefit from such arrangements, especially when the royal family is navigating its modern image and financial responsibilities.
While King Charles III recently cut Andrew’s official allowance, Andrew reportedly found independent means to sustain his lavish lifestyle at Royal Lodge. The lease also includes clauses that could financially compensate Andrew should he vacate prematurely.
This lease revelation comes amidst mounting public pressures on the Duke and Duchess of York and raises questions about the future occupancy of Royal Lodge, especially with younger royals seeking to redefine the family estate’s legacy.
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