Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to relinquish lease on East Lodge amid tight scrutiny of Crown Estate assets
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reported to be relinquishing the lease on East Lodge, a Crown Estate property, amid intensified public scrutiny of the management of royal assets. According to documents seen by the BBC, Andrew has applied to terminate the lease on the historic thatched-roof, single-storey building dating from the 19th century, located near his former residence at Sunninghill Park in Berkshire. East Lodge has long been understood to provide staff accommodation.
The documents show Andrew has leased the property since February 1998 for an initial rent of just £3,500 per year. Although this has been index-linked over time to £12,922 (about Rp260 million) per year by the end of 2025, industry observers say the rent remains well below market levels. By comparison, agents in the Windsor and Ascot area report two-bedroom flats typically rented for between £2,000 and £7,500 per month. This disparity has prompted the Public Accounts Committee to announce a year-end inquiry into royal property contracts to improve transparency and ensure taxpayers receive value for money.
Chairman Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown stressed the importance of transparency in royal contracts: “A committee examination of royal rents will aid transparency of information in the public interest, as part of its broader mission to ensure value for money for taxpayers.”
The move to relinquish East Lodge follows a long-running saga after Andrew became embroiled in the Jeffrey Epstein sexual abuse scandal, though he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. After widespread public protests, Andrew relinquished his formal royal roles and agreed to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor to relocate to Sandringham, Norfolk, in February. There, he now occupies a property owned by King Charles III that does not involve public funds. Interestingly, the push to end the East Lodge lease emerged this year, shortly after the BBC submitted a Freedom of Information request related to the property in January.
The Crown Estate has commented on the situation: “We have received a request to consider an early termination.” The East Lodge lease was originally due to end in July 2027, but any termination will depend on arrangements for current occupants. The Crown Estate also notes that daily housing is a private matter separate from the main lease.
As an independent commercial body, the Crown Estate has a remit to remit profits to the Treasury and to safeguard value for the public. At the time of publication, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had not issued an official comment.