Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Received Rental Income From Royal Lodge Cottages Watchdog

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received rental income from Royal Lodge cottages watchdog Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received undisclosed rental income after subletting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate while paying only a nominal “peppercorn rent” to the Crown Estate, according to a public spending watchdog report.The National Audit Office NAO found that the former royal was granted a 75-year lease in 2003 covering Royal Lodge and surrounding properties, under an arrangement that required a £1 million premium and around £7.5 million in refurbishment work. In return, he was effectively allowed to occupy the estate at minimal ongoing rent. The report states that the lease permitted subletting, enabling Mountbatten-Windsor to rent out three of the cottages within the grounds of Royal Lodge. He was permitted to retain the income generated, although the exact amount he earned has not been disclosed.The arrangement has drawn renewed scrutiny because of the scale of the property and the highly favourable terms of the lease compared with typical market rentals. The NAO also noted that similar leasing structures exist across other royal properties, though the Royal Lodge agreement has been highlighted due to its scale and lack of ongoing rent payments. Mountbatten Windsor left Royal Lodge in 2026 following mounting controversy and now resides on the Sandringham estate. The Crown Estate has previously indicated that he may not be entitled to compensation for early termination of the lease once property condition and maintenance obligations are considered. The findings are expected to be examined further by parliamentary committees as part of a wider review of royal property arrangements and public value considerations.