Parliament’s spending watchdog has requested the Crown Property to clarify the rationale behind Prince Andrew’s “peppercorn” hire at Royal Lodge.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has written to the Treasury and the Crown Property after elevating considerations over the worth for cash of the prince’s residing preparations.
The King’s staff is alleged to be in talks together with his brother about leaving the property voluntarily following renewed controversy over his hyperlinks to the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew signed a 75-year lease in 2003 after paying an preliminary down fee of £1m and spent £7.5m on renovations as a part of the settlement. He lives there together with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
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Prince Andrew lives at Royal Lodge together with his ex-wife
“Peppercorn rent” is a authorized time period utilized in leases to point out that hire technically exists, so the lease is legitimate, however it’s nominal, usually actually £1 a yr or only a symbolic quantity. In apply, it means the tenant pays no hire.
In a letter revealed on Wednesday, PAC chairman and Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, stated: “There is considerable and understandable public interest in the spending of public money in relation to Prince Andrew, which in part stems from the fact that he is no longer a working Royal and from serious and disturbing allegations made against him.”
He requested “that you write to us providing an update on the status of, and rationale for, the lease”.
Prince Andrew gave up his titles forward of the publication of the posthumous memoirs of Virginia Giuffre, who accused the prince of sexually abusing her as a 17-year-old. He has strenuously denied the allegations.
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Requires Prince Andrew to go away Royal Lodge: Is it that easy?
Criticism has now turned to the 30-room mansion in Windsor he has lived in successfully rent-free since 2003.
Sir Geoffrey stated the Crown Property has an obligation to handle its land “according to the best consideration of money or money’s worth which in their opinion can be reasonably obtained”.
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The mansion has 30 rooms. Pic: Sky Information
He went on: “We are therefore concerned as to whether the lease arrangements for Royal Lodge are, in light of recent developments and changes in the responsibilities of Prince Andrew, achieving the best value for money.
“They have to even be justifiable compared to different choices for the use or disposal of the property.
“It is also a matter of concern to the committee that the terms of the lease, including those relating to maintenance, are being effectively enforced to maintain the value and character of this nationally important royal residence.”
He has requested a response on or earlier than 28 November, and stated the committee will then resolve if a public proof session must be held.
